2021-2022 Rhode Island Legislative Scorecard
The following scorecard lists several key votes in the Rhode Island General Assembly in 2021 and 2022 and ranks state representatives and senators based on their fidelity to (U.S.) constitutional and limited-government principles.
This is our first state-level Scorecard; the selected votes may not be reflective of legislators' overall records. Their cumulative scores will change as we add more votes. Please check regularly for updates.
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House Votes
1. "Driver Privilege Cards" for Illegal Aliens
Allows the division of motor vehicles to issue "driver privilege cards and permits" to applicants "unable to establish legal presence in the United States."
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Pro-Freedom Vote: No
2. Expanding Government Wiretapping
Grants the ability to apply ex parte for a court order authorizing the "interception of any wire, electronic, or oral communications" based on alleged felony violations of the Uniform Act on Prevention for Human Trafficking.
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Pro-Freedom Vote: No
3. Permanent Early, Mail-In Voting
Permits early voting by mail without an excuse, removes the requirement that mail ballots be signed by a notary public or two witnesses, and directs every municipality to maintain at least one ballot drop box.
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Pro-Freedom Vote: No
4. Gun-Free School Zones
Prohibits the possession of firearms on school grounds, except for peace officers, retired law enforcement officers, persons under contract to provide school security services, and unloaded firearms in locked containers or a locked rack in a motor vehicle.
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Pro-Freedom Vote: No
5. Forced Minimum Wage Increases
Increases the minimum wage from $11.50 per hour to $15.00 per hour, over a 4-year period.
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Pro-Freedom Vote: No
6. 2021 "Act on Climate"
Mandates a statewide enforceable target of "net-zero" emissions by 2050, including an "equitable transition to climate compliance for environmental justice populations."
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Pro-Freedom Vote: No
How did they vote?
Legend:
Pro-Freedom
Anti-Freedom
Did not vote
Average Freedom Score by Party
| Party | Score |
|---|---|
| Democrat | 8.2% |
| Republican | 61.8% |
