2022 -- H 8034

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LC005584

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

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J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $1,500,000 FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN

ACT FUNDS TO THE RHODE ISLAND TURNPIKE AND BRIDGE AUTHORITY TO

COMMISSION A STUDY TO EVALUATE OPTIONS TO PREVENT AND ADDRESS THE

RISK OF SUICIDES ON RHODE ISLAND'S BRIDGES

     Introduced By: Representatives Solomon, Donovan, Craven, Cortvriend, Ruggiero, and
Shallcross Smith

     Date Introduced: March 23, 2022

     Referred To: House Finance

     WHEREAS, Isolation and fear from the COVID-19 pandemic has brought on rising

anxiety and depression, and exacerbated the risk factors associated with suicidal behaviors; and

     WHEREAS, In addition, studies have shown that survivors of COVID-19 have reported

symptoms of depression months after recovery; and

     WHEREAS, Prioritizing a comprehensive strategy for the prevention and mitigation of

suicide in Rhode Island is an urgent public health problem; and

     WHEREAS, A study is necessary in order to provide additional insight, and preventative

options and measures to lessen the risk of suicides on Rhode Island's state bridges; now, therefore

be it

     RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated, out of any money from the American

Rescue Plan Act in the treasury not otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2022-2023, the sum

of one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000) to the Rhode Island Turnpike and

Bridge Authority to commission a study to evaluate options to prevent and address the risk of

suicides on Rhode Island's bridges; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to

draw his orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of said sum, or so much thereof as

may be from time to time required, upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers.

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LC005584

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $1,500,000 FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN

ACT FUNDS TO THE RHODE ISLAND TURNPIKE AND BRIDGE AUTHORITY TO

COMMISSION A STUDY TO EVALUATE OPTIONS TO PREVENT AND ADDRESS THE

RISK OF SUICIDES ON RHODE ISLAND'S BRIDGES

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     This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $1,500,000 to the Rhode

Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority for a study to recommend options to address suicide risks

on Rhode Island's bridges.

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LC005584

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