Senator Brian Thompson

The Senate today passed legislation sponsored by Senator Brian Thompson that would improve education quality and safety within Rhode Island’s classrooms.

The legislation would create procedures to ensure student and teacher classroom safety and it establishes the authority to remove disruptive and dangerous students from classrooms. The bill would also create protections for students and educators from said removals and would define the school district’s responsibilities relating to the safety and well-being of the removed student.

“Students and teachers deserve to feel safe and secure within the classroom. While there may be many legitimate reasons for a student’s disruptive behavior in class, it is unfair for other students and staff to have their day hampered due to the behavior of one student. This bill will give teachers and administrators the procedures and authority to keep classrooms running smoothly and focused, while also providing the proper support and compassion for students who need extra attention and help,” said Senator Thompson (D-Dist. 20, Woonsocket, Cumberland).

Learn more: https://rilegislature.gov/pressrelease/_layouts/15/ril.pressrelease.inputform/DisplayForm.aspx?List=c8baae31-3c10-431c-8dcd-9dbbe21ce3e9&ID=376547

The Senate today approved legislation introduced by Senator Brian Thompson that would help patients get out of the hospital faster by returning decision making about post-hospitalization treatment to doctors and patients.

The bill is part of the Senate’s 2026 healthcare legislative package.

“Leaving a hospital doesn’t mean a patient has recovered, it means they are ready for their next step in the recovery process. Too often, prior authorization requirements keep patients in the hospital longer than necessary, creating stress for families and driving up costs across the healthcare system. This bill removes that barrier because care decisions should be made by doctors and patients, not their insurers,” said Senator Thompson (D-Dist. 20, Woonsocket, Cumberland).

Learn more: https://rilegislature.gov/pressrelease/_layouts/15/ril.pressrelease.inputform/DisplayForm.aspx?List=c8baae31-3c10-431c-8dcd-9dbbe21ce3e9&ID=376524

American Legion Post 85 in Woonsocket hosted a Purple-Up Event today, raising funds to benefit children of military service members.

Enjoying Soup and a Sandwich are, from right, RI State Representative Bob Phillips, RI State Senator Brian Thompson, RI State Senator Melissa Murray, Woonsocket City Councilwoman Sharon Harmon, and I’m sorry, I didn’t get the name of the young lady next to Sharon.