Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7384

Introduced

1/31/24

Refer

1/31/24

Report Pass

3/26/24

Engrossed

4/4/24

Refer

4/5/24

Report Pass

5/7/24

Enrolled

5/21/24

Passed

5/28/24

Caption

Renames the "Roosevelt Benton Youth Assessment Center" as the "Roosevelt Benton Center".

Impact

If passed, this bill will update existing laws pertaining to the naming conventions of state buildings and institutions, specifically those associated with youth services. The renaming of facilities is crucial for maintaining an acknowledgment of local leaders and their impact on the community. It aligns with broader legislative goals to ensure that state institutions reflect values and recognition for key figures involved in social services and youth development throughout Rhode Island.

Summary

House Bill H7384, introduced in January 2024, is a legislative act focused on the renaming of state facilities, specifically the Roosevelt Benton Youth Assessment Center and the Rhode Island Training School. The bill aims to officially rename the 'Roosevelt Benton Youth Assessment Center' to 'Roosevelt Benton Center' and the facility known as the Rhode Island Training School to 'The Thomas C. Slater Training School.' This change is prominently aimed at honoring the significant contributions of State Representative Thomas C. Slater to the state and its youth facilities.

Contention

While the bill appears straightforward and aimed at honoring individuals, it may open discussions about the criteria for naming state buildings and how such decisions reflect the values and historical context of Rhode Island. As with any renaming process, stakeholders may have differing opinions on the implications of such changes, including those who advocate for recognizing additional contributions from diverse communities. However, the smooth passage in preliminary voting, with a unanimous vote of 73 to 0, suggests a strong bipartisan support for this initiative.