Washington Bridge reporting to be voted on at the State House today

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Several bills will be voted on at the Rhode Island State House today, including a bill that would require reporting on the Washington Bridge.

The legislation was introduced by Senate Majority Whip Valarie J. Lawson and House Majority Whip Katherine S. Kazarian.

The legislation would mandate that monthly updates from the Rhode Island Department of Transportation to be sent to the General Assembly and Governor Dan McKee’s office. The reports would be required until the restoration of the bridge.

The House Committee will also vote on several bills including two from the recent housing package from Speaker Joseph Shekarchi.

If passed, the only time housing wouldn’t be allowed in commercial zones would be if it was a health or safety concern. Another housing bill looks to create more transparency to streamline the process when it comes to applying for building permits for zoning and planning.

The Municipal Government and Housing Committee will also hear a bill that would require state-chartered fire departments to give property over to the city or town it’s located in, instead of throwing it out.

Lastly, another bill would allow the New Shoreham town council to set rules for bike, scooter, and moped rentals in Block Island; that would include establishing time limits for rentals, and how many could be.

Meanwhile, The House Judiciary will consider a bill that amends limitations that can be placed on land use applications by cities or towns, including how many buildings permits can be issues at a time.  Election officials will also be considered as “public officials,” so no threats can be made against them.

All bills would be heard and voted on this afternoon. You can watch here.