A top Rhode Island senator says lawmakers are “very close” to reaching a deal on a marijuana legalization bill that could be taken up during a special session this fall. Senate President Dominick Ruggerio (D) was asked for a status update on negotiations that have been taking place on the reform proposal since lawmakers adjourned for the session. He told WPRI-TV that while there are still outstanding issues to be resolved, he believes legalization will be taken up before the end of the year. “We’ve had people working on that issue since we’ve left the session this year,” he said. “We sent legislation—which we think is a very good piece of legislation—over to the House before we left in June,” the senator said, referring to a legalization bill that his chamber approved in June. “They are working on that legislation with some of the House people at this point in time.” A special session has yet to be called, but Ruggerio said he feels an agreement on cannabis reform will be made in time to call lawmakers back to the State House within the coming months.
Kyle Jaeger, Marijuana Moment, 09/20/2021 11:31:00