Critics Call For Change To Rhode Island Legislative Rules; Leadership-Backed Plan Moving Ahead

A group of citizens and ‘Reform Democrats’ urged the House Rules Committee Tuesday night to make broader changes to the rules governing the Rhode Island House of Representatives for the next two years. But the House Rules Committee could approve rules as soon as Thursday that don’t address most of the differences sought by critics.

One citizen, Mikaila Arthur of Providence, called the vote on House rules the most important vote of the session – since the rules govern what happens in the chamber.

Like other witnesses, she expressed frustration that bills with popular support get bottled up in House committees without ever moving to the House floor.

“Change the rules,” Arthur said. “Change them so that legislation does not remain stuck in committee for over a generation. Change them so that we can once again believe that our government works for us. Change them and let us restore our faith in representative democracy.”

Read more: https://thepublicsradio.org/article/critics-call-for-change-to-ri-legislative-rules-leadership-backed-plan-moving-ahead