Woonsocket Radio News Room

 

House OKs Phillips bill that would mandate 30-day period between driver’s permit and license for adults

 

STATE HOUSE — The House of Representatives today passed legislation introduced by Rep. Robert D. Phillips (D-Dist. 51) that would implement a 30-day waiting period following the issuance of a learner’s permit before taking a road test in order to obtain a full license for anyone over the age of 18.

The bill (2025-H 5513) would also clarify that the temporary driver’s permit would expire one year  following the date of issuance, and could only be renewed for one additional year.

“State law requires learners below the age of 18 to wait a period of six months before taking their road test, but mentions no time line for adults,” said Representative Phillips.  “While it’s been a longstanding business practice for the Division of Motor Vehicles to wait 30 days after issuing a permit to an adult, it’s never been codified into law. This bill would guarantee that those adult learners have enough time to learn the physical complexities of operating a motor vehicle before getting the full license.”

The measure now moves to the Senate, where similar legislation (2025-S 0624) has been introduced by Sen. Louis P. DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Newport, Tiverton, Little Compton).

Republican Randy Fine is being projected as the winner in Florida's 6th Congressional District. He defeated Democrat Josh Weil in the special House election for the seat vacated by former representative Michael Waltz. The win builds on the Republican's slim majority in the U.S. House.        Cory Booker has broken the record for the longest Senate speech ever, now going over 25 hours and counting. The New Jersey Democrat started his marathon speech at seven o'clock Eastern time last night in protest of the Trump Administration. Booker is protesting President Trump's tariffs, steps Trump is taking to dismantle the Department of Education, and other polices, saying the nation is in crisis.        President Trump is calling Wednesday America's "Liberation Day," and will hold an event in the Rose Garden to celebrate. That's when new tariffs are expected to take effect against Canada, Mexico, China and the European Union. The White House said the event dubbed "Make America Wealthy Again" will take place at 4 p.m. Eastern time. Trump is expecting five-trillion dollars in U.S. investments after his tariffs take effect.        The Justice Department will seek the death penalty for accused UnitedHealthcare CEO killer Luigi Mangione. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Tuesday that she has ordered federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty. Mangione allegedly shot and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a New York City sidewalk in December. Bondi called the killing a "premeditated, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America."        Actor Dave Coulier says he's cancer free after being diagnosed last winter. Coulier was diagnosed with Stage-Three non-Hodgkin lymphoma in November of 2024. Actress Candace Cameron Bure, who was a co-star with Coulier on the sitcom "Full House," posted on social media with him and his wife Melissa that he was cancer free.        The fate of the so-called "Tush Push" play will be decided by NFL owners at a later date. Multiple reports say team owners decided to table talk about the play made famous by the Philadelphia Eagles until May. A proposal about changes to playoff seeding was also shelved for now.       

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