New Laws Make Rhode Island Safer, More Secure

While there was widespread coverage of certain legislative initiatives this year, such as the master lever, NECAP graduation requirements, and, of course, naming calamari Rhode Island’s official appetizer, the General Assembly also passed several bills to make our neighborhoods safer and protect our most vulnerable citizens.

This session the General Assembly passed and Governor Lincoln Chafee signed 13 bills filed at my request to enhance the safety and security of elders and children, give prosecutors more tools to put violent gang members behind bars and update our Internet safety laws, among others.

Every person deserves to be treated with respect. Every person - no matter how young or old - deserves to be safe from those who live with them, care for them or come in day-to-day contact with them. 

During Tax Season, Be Wary of Potential Scams

As the April 15 tax deadline approaches, I am warning Rhode Island consumers to be extra-vigilant about potential tax-related scams. Particularly in these difficult economic times, tax season can be very stressful – both mentally and financially – and con artists know that being under stress can make people more vulnerable.

My office is warning Rhode Islanders to be vigilant against predatory or even fraudulent tax-related offers. To help consumers avoid being scammed this tax season, we have put together a list of “red flags” to watch out for, and tips to help you – and your money – stay safe.

2013 - A Year in Review

As 2013 draws to a close and we embark on a New Year, let us take this time to reflect on the events of the past 12 months and look forward to what 2014 holds.

This last year, the Office of Attorney General accomplished a great deal that strengthened the safety and economic security of our communities, helped Rhode Islanders stay in their homes and educated consumers on how to avoid becoming victims of fraud.

We took a major step forward in curbing the rapidly growing use of highly dangerous and unregulated synthetic drugs when the General Assembly passed my legislation making it illegal to manufacture, distribute or possess synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones in Rhode Island.  Often referred to or marketed as “synthetic pot,” “herbal incense,” “spice” and “bath salts,” these drugs are far more dangerous than their naturally-occurring counterparts. These drugs have been known to cause violent or delirious behavior, high blood pressure, vomiting, and also a number of deadly health complications.

‘Tis the Season for Charitable Giving

The holidays tend to bring out the best in all of us.  Perhaps it is our small size or our sense of community, but the generosity of Rhode Islanders in helping out those they know and those they don’t is something we can be proud of. 

Thanksgiving memories

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate all we are thankful for and every year I am thankful for the memories of Thanksgiving itself.  Growing up, we would alternate our celebrations between Pawtucket and Wakefield with lifelong friends of my parents who also had four children.  Being the youngest of everyone, I was always relegated to the “kids’ table,” which is probably where I developed the habit of eating so quickly.  Regardless, the smell of fresh turkey with all the fixings, watching the Macy’s parade and football games and playing outside whether it was snowing or clear are all memories that seem as fresh as if  they just occurred yesterday.

I am sure these Thanksgiving memories are similar to many others.  Unfortunately today these memories are being replaced by commercialism, overload and a mad dash to be the first in line at midnight, sometimes earlier, at the local superstore to get deeply discounted prices on electronics and hot ticket items.  In some ways, gut-busting Thanksgiving meals have been replaced with door-busting midnight deals.  It seems there is a push to move people toward Christmas without actually celebrating Thanksgiving.

Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Law Takes Effect September 13th

This year the General Assembly passed and the Governor signed into law legislation authored by our office which requires that before initiating a foreclosure, a mortgage lender must offer the owner-occupant of a 1-4 unit residential property a formal process to determine whether foreclosure can be avoided.

This new law which will ensure that every Rhode Island homeowner who is having trouble making their mortgage payments has the opportunity to communicate directly with their lender to try and find a solution that will help them get back on track with their mortgage and remain in their home. It is also an important tool to help direct homeowners to the resources they need early enough in the foreclosure process to make a difference. I am confident that it will result in fewer foreclosures, which is great news for homeowners, lenders and municipalities.

New School Year, New Dangers

It’s back to school time for kids.  That means new clothes, new school supplies, new friends, and unfortunately, new dangers for young students.  Now more than ever, students are using the Internet as part of their studies in school and at home.  Whether it is a smart phone, desktop computer, tablet or even gaming device, young people are accessing the Internet continually throughout their day.  And, for every second they are surfing the web, there are dangers lurking.

 

The Internet offers many opportunities for young people. It is a gateway to exciting new opportunities and allows young people to expand their horizons far beyond their neighborhood. But, it can also be a place of danger. That is why we need to ensure the Internet is a safe and secure environment for our young people. Just as we teach our children to not talk to strangers, be aware of dangers in our community, and what to do if someone bullies them in person, we must address those dangers online.

Successful Investigation and Prosecution of Human Trafficking

This week, Attorney General Peter Kilmartin was joined by the United States Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Department of Labor to provide local and state law enforcement training in the investigation and prosecution of human trafficking. 

Held at Amica, more than 40 local, state and federal law enforcement officials attended the training where prosecutors from the Office of Attorney General and the United States Attorney’s Office reviewed the current state and federal human trafficking statutes, and ICE and the US Department of Labor shared investigative tactics to identify and successfully investigate potential cases of human trafficking. In addition, a senior Massachusetts prosecutor detailed the complexities of prosecuting human trafficking cases.

Consul General Shai Bazak Testifies at State House for Iran Divestiture Legislation

Consul General Shai Bazak, Consul General of Israel to New England recently testified before the Rhode Island Senate Committee on Finance in support of Attorney General Peter Kilmartin’s legislation to divest any and all state pension funds from companies that directly or indirectly do business and prohibit the state to enter into any contracts with companies doing business with Iran. 

Speaking to the Committee, Consul General Bazak noted the importance of the legislation to the security of the United States and to Israel.

Counsul General Bazak and AG Kilmartin

Pre-Paid Funeral Services: Are they a Good Option or a Scam?

When a loved one dies, grieving family members and friends often are confronted with dozens of decisions about the funeral - all of which must be made quickly and often under great emotional stress.  This is something I experienced firsthand last year with the passing of my beloved 88-year old mother, Dot.

Personal Care Assistants – How Much Do You Know About Your Home Health Provider?

Under the Global Medicaid Waiver, the State of Rhode Island received permission from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid to offer seniors more options. One goal was to allow them to stay in their own homes longer, and stay out of an institutional nursing home setting.

Let the Sun Shine on Government

This week marks National Sunshine Week, a national initiative to promote a dialogue about the importance of open government and freedom of information. Participants include news media, civic groups, libraries, nonprofits, schools and others interested in the public's right to know.

Be Wary of High Interest Rates and Hidden Fees in So-Called Rapid Tax Refunds

Throughout tax season, you might notice store fronts popping up to offer tax preparation services and rapid or instant tax refunds.  A business offering to prepare and file your taxes and you get to walk out with your refund the same day.  Sounds great, right?

Don’t Forget to Protect Your Home Before You Head South

Winter is teasing us this year with December and January temperatures warmer than expected.   But, we all know Mother Nature is fickle and winter in New England is, if anything, unpredictable.  While we have been spared tundra-like chills and sky-high snow banks so far, winter is far from over.  The Farmer’s Almanac is calling for a stormier than usual February, including some “potent” Nor’easters. 

Don’t Let the Grinch Ruin Your Holidays

In the classic Dr. Suess book, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” the green, mean Mr. Grinch was on a mission to deny the people of Whoville Christmas by stealing all the presents, decorations and food for the Christmas holiday.  How could anyone want to steal Christmas?  As Dr. Suess writes, “the most likely reason of all, may have been that his heart was two sizes too small.”

The Danger of Elder Abuse

Every person – regardless of age - deserves to be safe from harm by those who live with them, care for them, or come in day-to-day contact with them.

What is Elder Abuse

Abuse inflicted on elder people is unfortunately a situation, which more often than not, goes undetected or unreported.

Next year in Jerusalem

I recently had the honor of completing a five day visit to Israel with nine other Attorneys General from around the country.

Embrace Your Inner Mrs. Kravitz

You may not be familiar with the name Alice Pearce or Sandra Gould, but I am sure you remember Gladys Kravitz.  As the nosy neighbor on the television series Bewitched, Mrs. Kravitz was always causing trouble for Samantha Stephens by peeking into the windows to see what magic Samantha was brewing.  It wasn’t long before the name “Gladys Kravitz” entered our lexicon as a synonym for “nosy neighbor.”

The Need to Amend the Time Off For Good Behavior Statute

The early release of Michael Woodmansee, the man convicted of the murder of five-year old Jason Foreman and the attempted murder of Dale Sherman, from prison 12 years earlier than the originally imposed sentence, has put a spotlight on the state’s good behavior statute.