Rhode Island Gov. McKee Signs Four Laws Expanding Emergency Care, Safe Injection Site

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee signed four new laws aimed at improving emergency care and public safety, including the David Casey Act which mandates automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) on golf courses following the death of a golfer from a heart attack. The legislation also extends the pilot period for the nation’s first state-regulated safe injection site in Providence by two years, trains lifeguards and park rangers to administer Narcan, and formalizes the waiting period before adults with driver permits can take their road test. The David Casey Act was supported by local lawmakers and the Rhode Island Department of Health, emphasizing that timely use of AEDs and CPR significantly increases survival rates for cardiac arrest victims. Meanwhile, in Maine, legislative efforts continue with the rejection of bills to make certain constitutional officers elected by voters instead of by the Legislature, ongoing budget negotiations focusing on Medicaid funding and tax proposals, and Governor Janet Mills signing over 60 bills into law, including those affecting abortion medication prescriptions, homeless shelters, and environmental protections. These legislative activities reflect a broad focus on public health, safety, and governance reforms in the region.