R.I. lawmakers consider extending McKee’s emergency powers

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)- Both the House and Senate will hold hearings on a new resolution to extend Governor McKee’s emergency powers until March 31.

House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi and Senate President Dominick Ruggerio have proposed extending McKee’s emergency powers that are set to end February 14.

A resolution was originally considered to extend those powers until April 15 under a disaster emergency, but the bill has been revised for Tuesday’s hearings.

If the bill passes through committee Tuesday, it could be voted on by the full State Senate on Thursday.

This would allow the Governor to extend executive orders on school masking and remote meetings, among other things, if he chooses to.