Bill mandating mental health and substance abuse training for police signed into law

STATE HOUSE – Legislation (2016-H 7259 / 2016-S 2401) sponsored by Rep. K. Joseph Shekarchi and Sen. Stephen R. Archambault that requires training for law enforcement officers on mental health and substance abuse emergencies was signed into law today by Governor Raimondo at a ceremonial bill signing at the State House. “There have been too many needless…

Read More

Governor signs bill to improve Rhode Island’s regulatory climate for businesses

STATE HOUSE — The General Assembly has passed and the governor has signed a bill sponsored by Sen. William J. Conley Jr. (D-Dist. 18, East Providence, Pawtucket) and Rep. K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) that seeks to improve the state’s regulatory climate by amending the Administrative Procedures Act. The legislation (2016-S 3015aa, 2016-H 7395A) will…

Read More

Expanded coverage for off-label uses of prescription drugs becomes law

STATE HOUSE — Legislation introduced by Sen. William A. Walaska (D- Dist. 30, Warwick) and Rep. K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) to provide Rhode Islanders expanded coverage for experimental uses of prescription drugs has become law. The measure was signed by Gov. Gina Raimondo. Rhode Island law requires insurers to cover “off-label” use for…

Read More

Governor signs bill that forbids the sale and possession of shark fins into law

STATE HOUSE — Gov. Gina Raimondo has signed legislation sponsored by Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski (D-Dist. 37, New Shoreham, South Kingstown) and Rep. K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) to forbid the sale and possession of shark fins in Rhode Island. The law (2016-S 2676A, 2016-H 7440) prohibits the possession, sale or trade of shark fins by…

Read More

Rep. Shekarchi’s Qualified Jobs Incentive Act brings GE jobs to RI

STATE HOUSE – Rep. K. Joseph Shekarchi’s Qualified Jobs Incentive Act is delivering results for the Rhode Island economy with the recent announcement by General Electric (GE) that the company will bring 100 high-paying tech jobs to Rhode Island and plans to bring hundreds more in the coming years, bringing the total number of approved…

Read More

Rep. Shekarchi and Sen. Lynch Prata honored by RI Partnership for Home Care

STATE HOUSE – Rep. K. Joseph Shekarchi and Sen. Erin Lynch Prata were honored by the Rhode Island Partnership for Home Care today for their advocacy efforts that support home and community-based health care service delivery.  The presentation took place during the “Rhode Island Home Care and Hospice Day” at the Rhode Island State House.…

Read More

Rep. Shekarchi receives RI Society for Human Resource Management Public Servant Award

STATE HOUSE – Chairman of the House Committee on Labor K. Joseph Shekarchi was awarded the 2016 Outstanding Public Servant Award by the Rhode Island Society for Human Resource Management (RI SHRM) today, March 24, at its annual Legislative and Employment Law Conference at the Providence Marriot.  The award acknowledges Representative Shekarchi’s significant contributions and…

Read More

Rep. Shekarchi honored as Ambassador of the Year by RI Hospitality Association

STATE HOUSE – Chairman of the House Committee on Labor K. Joseph Shekarchi was honored by the Rhode Hospitality Association on Dec. 2 at their annual dinner at Twin River Casino in Lincoln.  Representative Shekarchi was presented with the Hospitality Ambassador of the Year Award for his work in supporting the hospitality industry in the…

Read More