Senate passes Conley bill ratifying and validating ‘strong mayor’ amendment to East Providence charter

State House — The Senate has approved legislation introduced by Sen. William J. Conley Jr. (D-Dist. 18, East Providence, Pawtucket) that would validate and ratify amendments to the Home Rule Charter of the city of East Providence that were adopted and approved by the electors of the city on Nov. 8, 2016. The measure, which passed the Senate 30 to 0, now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
The legislation (2017-S 0655) ratifies the will of the voters of East Providence to change the administrative framework of their local government from a city council-appointed city manager to a full-time mayor elected by the voters of the city.
“The city council unanimously passed a resolution asking the General Assembly to ratify the charter amendment reflecting the outcome of the mayoral referendum. It is in accordance with their wishes that I submitted and advocated passage of this legislation as early as possible in this legislative session to avoid any last-minute errors or confusion,” said Senator Conley.
The legislation is cosponsored by Senator Cynthia A. Coyne (D-Dist. 32, Barrington, Bristol, East Providence) and Senator Daniel Da Ponte (D-Dist. 14, East Providence).
Rep. Gregg Amore (D-Dist. 65, East Providence) has submitted companion legislation (2017-H 5147) that passed the House of Representatives and awaits action by the Senate.