With the 2009 session of the General Assembly finally adjourning for the year on October 30th, two bills of concern to the state's shelter industry were dealt with.
Most significantly, lawmakers passed an amended version of a bill that will help address the current economic climate by extending the life of any approval, permit, variance or license issued under state law or municipal ordinance. The new law "stops the clock" on, or "tolls," the expiration periods of approved projects until June 30, 2011. Approvals must be valid when the bill takes effect.
The measure does not revive expired approvals.

Apprenticeship ratios
In another matter of concern, a measure that will establish a 5-to-1 or 3-to-1 (depending on the trade) ratio of journeymen to apprentices in unlicensed trades, such as carpenters and painters, on many jobsites, was passed. This bill could make it very difficult, if not impossible, for small builders and remodelers to train new workers on jobsites.
As we went to press, there was some indication that governor Donald Carcieri would veto the apprenticeship measure. Watch for more information.
The 2010 session of the General Assembly convenes in January. For more information on these or other legislative matters, see the legislative report at www.ribuilders.org
Paul Eno is the owner and editor-in-chief of New River Press, Woonsocket and is the editor of the monthly RIBA newsletter, The Rhode Island Builder Report.