2023
A hearing was held on March 17 on H.5210 in the House Committee on Judiciary. Representatives from Compassion & Choices testified in support of the legislation. On March 22 the Committee recommended holding the bill for further action.
On January 20, 2023, the Lila Manfield Sapinsley Compassionate Care Act was introduced. HB 5210 would authorize medical aid in dying in the state and has been referred to the Judiciary committee. The Senate introduced a companion bill (S.0126) that has been referred to the Senate Judiciary committee.
2020
The Lila Manfield Sapinsley Compassionate Care Act (HB5555; S 157/S 320) was reintroduced on January 30, 2020 in the Rhode Island House with five sponsors: Reps. Edith Ajello, Teresa Tanzi, Rebecca Kislak, Jason Knight and Liana Cassar. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the bill did not advance.
2019
The Lila Manfield Sapinsley Compassionate Care Act (HB5555; S 157/S 320) was reintroduced in 2019 in the Rhode Island Legislature. Both the House and Senate bill were heard in committee have been held for further review.
On April 28, 2019, Field Director Tim Appleton testified in front of the Senate Commission on Judiciary in support of the companion bills. Thank you to Senators Goldin, Coyne, Euer, and Miller for your efforts in the Senate Compassion and Choices also appreciates the continued support of Reps. Edith Ajello, Jason Knight, Liana Cassar, Rebecca Kislak and Teresa Tanzi for their advocacy in the House of Representatives.
2018
In March 2018, for the third year in a row, the Lila Manfield Sapinsley Compassionate Care Act ( H7297) was introduced in the Rhode Island legislature, sponsored by Representative Edith Ajello. Compassion & Choices offered expert testimony at a public hearing held before the Health, Education & Welfare Committee in the advancement of this legislation. The bill was not acted upon and held for further study.
