Sunday, April 7, 2013
Rep. John G. Edwards' (D-Dist. 70, Portsmouth, Tiverton) bill would require any political party or political action committee to file a report of all contributions.
Rep. John G. Edwards (D-Dist. 70, Portsmouth, Tiverton) is looking to finish what he started last year with a bill that would require any political party or political action committee advocating for a town or city charter-amending question to file a report of all contributions and expenditures in excess of $100 with its local board of canvassers. The bill (2013-H 5038), which has earned bipartisan support in the House, applies to all questions considered during an election or at a Financial Town Meeting. Last year, the governor signed similar legislation – also sponsored by Rep. Edwards and Sen. Louis P. DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton) – requiring groups and political action committees advocating for …
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Rep. John G. Edwards (D-Portsmouth, Tiverton) and Sen. Josh Miller (D-Cranston, Providence) joined Protect Families First at a State House press conference this week.
Rep. John G. Edwards and Sen. Josh Miller – lead sponsors of last year’s marijuana decriminalization legislation – joined Protect Families First at a State House press conference on Monday to discuss the impact of the new law on young people and families. The lawmakers had an in-depth discussion of the new rules in place for possession of 1 ounce or less of marijuana, which includes a $150 civil fine to replace the criminal penalties. Only a third or subsequent offense within 18 months of the previous offense would be treated as a misdemeanor. All individuals under the age of 18 caught with an ounce or less of pot will be required to perform community service and complete a drug education course. “I am very proud that Rhode Island will be …
Monday, February 4, 2013
Rep. Edwards’ legislation (2012-H 5207) would create the Joint Committee of the Repealer. What do you think about this legislation?
Rep. John G. Edwards (D – Dist. 70, Portsmouth, Tiverton) wants to change out-of-date laws and regulations, especially ones that may inhibit business growth. “It’s time we have a committee that sits down, reads through some of these older statutes and makes recommendations to repeal rules that hold no relevance in 2013,” Rep. Edwards said. “The joint committee would also target ‘business-unfriendly’ wording and redundant language in our books. We’re supposed to be doing everything we can to encourage economic growth. "Well, it’s the little things that count sometimes and I think this is something that just needs to be done. There are a lot of arbitrary statutes and cumbersome regulations that need to go.” Rep. Edwards’ legislation (2012-H …
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Rep. John G. Edwards (D – Dist. 70, Portsmouth, Tiverton) has been named senior deputy majority leader.
The following is from a press release. Rep. John G. Edwards (D – Dist. 70, Portsmouth, Tiverton) has been named senior deputy majority leader of the Rhode Island House of Representatives for the 2013-2014 legislative session. “I am honored to have been chosen by Speaker Fox to serve in this capacity,” Representative Edwards said this week. “I take my leadership responsibilities very seriously and I will do everything I can to support my colleagues as we continue to break barriers and help our communities thrive. I’m looking forward to a great legislative session.” As senior deputy majority leader, Representative Edwards serves as an official member of the House leadership team. His duties include overseeing the 10 additional deputy …
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Rep. John Edwards, sponsor of the bill, witnesses the signing of this law. This legislation makes Rhode Island the 15th state in the country to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana.
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Thursday, June 28, 2012
Rep. John Edwards and Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee sit for the ceremonial signing of his legislation (2012-S 2253Aaa, 2012-H 7092Aaa), which decriminalizes an ounce or less of marijuana. The new law imposes a civil penalty of a $150 fine for carrying 1 ounce or less, plus forfeiture of the drug. A third offense within 18 months of the previous offense would be treated as a misdemeanor. Sen. Joshua Miller (D-Dist. 28, Cranston, Warwick) sponsored the bill in the Senate.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
The bills will now be passed to the opposing chamber for a vote. If enacted, Rhode Island would become the 15th state to decriminalize marijuana.
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Tuesday, June 5, 2012
The following is from a State House press release. The full Senate and House approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Joshua Miller (D-Dist. 28, Cranston, Warwick) and Rep. John G. Edwards (D-Dist. 70, Tiverton, Portsmouth) to eliminate the criminal charge for carrying one ounce or less of marijuana. Instead, the new law, if approved, would impose a civil penalty of a $150 fine, plus forfeiture of the drug. A third offense within 18 months of the previous offense would be treated as a misdemeanor. The legislation passed the House in a 50 to 24 vote and passed the Senate in a 28 to 6 vote. Each bill must now travel across the rotunda to pass the opposite chamber in order to become law. Under the provisions of the Senate and House bills (2012…
Sunday, April 15, 2012
The bill would require any group or political action committee advocating for a charter-amending question on a ballot to file a report of all contributions received from a sole source in excess of $100.
The following press release was issued by the office of Rep. John G. Edwards (D-Tiverton, Portsmouth): A bill aiming to shed light on contributions to political parties and action committees for charter-amending questions will now head to the Senate for consideration after the House of Representatives voted in favor of it on Thursday. The bill (2012-H 7060aa), sponsored by Rep. John G. Edwards (D-Dist. 70, Tiverton, Portsmouth), would require any group or political action committee advocating for a charter-amending question on a ballot to file a report of all contributions received from a sole source in excess of $100. It would also expand the current law to include contributions in relation to any town or city charter amendment considered…
Monday, March 26, 2012
The Portsmouth Town Council will take up this issue and others tonight at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
The Portsmouth Town Council will be asked to give their opinion on possible tolls on the new Sakonnet River bridge at tonight's meeting, reports The Providence Journal. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at Town Hall. According to The Journal, the council will be asked to oppose a plan by Gov. Lincoln Chafee to collect tolls on the new span currently being built. Rep. John G. Edwards will ask the council to support his resolution in favor of House Bill 7036, which would prevent tolls on the Sakonnet River Bridge. Sponsors of this bill are Edwards, Rep. Raymond Gallison and Rep. Dan Reilly. The bill, if approved, would not only prevent tolls on the bridge, but also the transfer of the bridge to the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority …
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Portsmouth Town Hall
2200 E Main Rd, Portsmouth, RI
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Thursday, March 22, 2012
Lawmakers are considering a bill that would legalize marijuana, while also considering another bill that would ban duck hunting near a Portsmouth beach.
Two bills with Portsmouth ties are heading for consideration and closer to becoming law. Lawmakers modify medical marijuana program Lawmakers will consider a bill next week that, if approved and signed into law, would place more restrictions on the state's pending medical marijuana program. House Bill 7888, co-sponsored by Rep. John G. Edwards (D-Dist.70, Portsmouth, Tiverton), would place restrictions on medical marijuana centers or "compassion centers" currently being planned to open. Earlier this month, legislative leaders announced they had reached a deal with Gov. Lincoln Chafee that would allow the state's first medical marijuana centers to open their doors, including one in Portsmouth. Last spring, Dr. Seth Bock's proposal for…
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Rep. John Edwards introduces a bill that would decriminalize possession of up to one ounce of marijuana.
Saying it would save the state millions of dollars, Rep. John G. Edwards (D-Dist. 70, Tiverton, Portsmouth) is trying again this year to decriminalize possession of up to one ounce of marijuana. The legislation (2011-H5031), which he first introduced last year, would call for civil fines of $150 per occurrence for those who possess small amounts of marijuana, according to a press release on the General Assembly Web site Tuesday. Currently, possession of any amount of marijuana carries a criminal penalty of up to one year in jail and a $500 maximum fine. “My intent with this legislation remains the same, to provide some relief to the taxpayers of our state,” Edwards said. “In these difficult times, we must look for ways to cut costs …
John Vit
8:41 am on Friday, June 29, 2012
Thank You Rep. Edwards, Sen. Miller & Gov. Chaffee. It's was long overdue. Curious why this new law must wait until April 2013? Rep. Edwards fill in the blank. more ›