2014 -- H 8141

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LC005459

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2014

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- CONDUCT OF ELECTION

     Introduced By: Representatives Giarrusso, Hull, McLaughlin, Bennett, and Newberry

     Date Introduced: May 01, 2014

     Referred To: House Health, Education & Welfare

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 17-18-15 of the General Laws in Chapter 17-18 entitled "Elective

Meetings" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     17-18-15. Closing of schools. -- At each general election as defined in section 17-1-2(2)

and statewide primary as defined in section 17-15-1, all public elementary and secondary schools

throughout the state shall not be in session. On the day of the general election and statewide

primary, the use of school buildings or premises shall be restricted to use only as polling places

for election purposes; provided, that classes may be held in any municipality or regional school

district if the governing body of such municipality (or in the case of a regional school district, all

of the governing bodies of the municipalities comprising such regional school district) determines

that classes may be held without disrupting or interfering with the election process.

Notwithstanding the previous provisions, school staff development days may be held. Provided

further, that the provisions of this section shall not be applicable to the Block Island School,

located in the town of New Shoreham, and the use of the Block Island School shall not be

restricted, nor shall classes need to be cancelled or postponed at said school, on the day of general

elections and statewide primaries.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC005459

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- CONDUCT OF ELECTION

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     This act would permit a municipality or school district to opt to hold classes on election

days; provided that the classes do not disrupt or interfere with the election process.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC005459

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