Law 401

Rhode Island Voting Rights Act Explained

MDB and Nicole welcome back Senator Tiara Mack to discuss what the Rhode Island Voting Rights Act means for minority voters, and why the debate is happening now. Senator Mack breaks down the legal, political, and historical issues behind the State House bill aimed at protecting voters from discrimination. You’ll also learn about the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a landmark federal law that reduced racial disparities in voter turnout. And how the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Louisiana v. Callais affects key voting rights protections. Resources Senator Tiara Mack https://www.rilegislature.gov/senators/mack/Pages/Biography.aspx [https://www.rilegislature.gov/senators/mack/Pages/Biography.aspx] RI Voting Rights Act chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText26/SenateText26/S3143.pdf Louisiana v. Callais chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-109_21o3.pdf Shelby Co. v. Holder https://www.lawyerscommittee.org/project/shelby-co-v-holder/ [https://www.lawyerscommittee.org/project/shelby-co-v-holder/] WPRI 12+ free TV app  Stream bite-size episodes of Law 401 anytime on WPRI 12+  https://www.wpri.com/wpri-12-tv-app/  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbDlXYXpIOENvU2pPeGR5SFdYUzFZcnNmU3pmd3xBQ3Jtc0tuZkF2bDhJN041Zkh2dlNUV01xX1FGVTRKcVRDN3QxN2RlNHpYUjhndmpHQllNd25ybEFvemh2bVNxU0ZScXR4clc0VlBsQ0kzTUJXOVVpRXkwZEVYazlVLTB6b0pMZWc2bmVpUTN5QjRnaGRyUGpXZw&q=https://www.wpri.com/wpri-12-tv-app/%25E2%2580%25AF&v=06ny9c6h1l8]   The information provided is for general informational purposes only and may not apply to individual situations; listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel before acting on any information discussed.

Taylor Swift, Prenups & Rhode Island Marriage Law

Rhode Island marriage law, prenups, postnuptial agreements and divorce are all up for discussion in this episode. Jolee E. Vacchi, Esq., known as “The Compassionate Divorce Attorney,” explains the legal side of relationships. Inspired by rumors about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s possible Rhode Island wedding, Jolee explores how marriage laws affect everyone, from celebrities to Rhode Islanders. If you’re curious about Rhode Island family law, this episode offers an entertaining yet compassionate look on the topic. Resources Attorney Jolee E. Vacchi https://foundationsfamilylaw.com/about/ [https://foundationsfamilylaw.com/about/] Birth, Death, and Marriage Records https://health.ri.gov/vital-records [https://health.ri.gov/vital-records] WPRI 12+ free TV app  Stream bite-size episodes of Law 401 anytime on WPRI 12+  https://www.wpri.com/wpri-12-tv-app/  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2EzU3ROUUNXa0s0VWRzRHFJcENXNVpKUi1JQXxBQ3Jtc0tsSW9CSENVNldYZEZYdnhUWXIxXzRUV201clpmSWg0NV9FcloySFNjejlxdGZDWVNNRTc5VmZ5OHlmSEVMN3I5YmducEZkNGw5bVpiVU1XOGM3WW5QNjRUUmNDTnB5bDBqT1VFczYzWkdXQmtDVDZqUQ&q=https://www.wpri.com/wpri-12-tv-app/%25E2%2580%25AF&v=lqLC1Jd9ueg]   The information provided is for general informational purposes only and may not apply to individual situations; listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel before acting on any information discussed.

Scam Texts, Online Fraud & Consumer Protection Laws

Joining the podcast is Rhode Island Congressman Gabe Amo to discuss the growing fight to protect consumers from online scams. Congressman Amo walks us through how scammers are using AI to become more sophisticated, how the law is trying to keep pace, and what legal reforms are required to protect consumers. The conversation also covers the BETS OFF Act, focused on preventing those with inside knowledge from profiting through bets on war, political violence, and national tragedy. Congressman Gabe Amo  https://amo.house.gov/about [https://amo.house.gov/about] BETS OFF Act https://amo.house.gov/press-release/amo-murphy-casar-ansari-introduce-bicameral-bill-to-ban-prediction-markets-from-enabling-officials-to-bet-on-and-profit-off-war [https://amo.house.gov/press-release/amo-murphy-casar-ansari-introduce-bicameral-bill-to-ban-prediction-markets-from-enabling-officials-to-bet-on-and-profit-off-war] Legislation Combating Scams https://amo.house.gov/press-release/amo-introduces-bipartisan-legislative-package-to-protect-consumers-from-surging-scams-and-financial-fraudsters [https://amo.house.gov/press-release/amo-introduces-bipartisan-legislative-package-to-protect-consumers-from-surging-scams-and-financial-fraudsters] WPRI 12+ free TV app Stream bite-size episodes of Law 401 anytime on WPRI 12+ https://www.wpri.com/wpri-12-tv-app/ Disclaimer: The information provided is for general informational purposes only and may not apply to individual situations; listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel before acting on any information discussed.

Abortion, Contraception, and Access in Rhode Island

In this episode, we discuss what abortion and contraception laws mean for families across Rhode Island. Joined by Senator Dawn Euer, we look at her efforts to ensure no-cost contraceptives continue to be covered by insurers in Rhode Island, despite what happens on the federal level. From crisis pregnancy centers to insurance gaps and new contraception legislation, this conversation uncovers how policy decisions impact real-world reproductive freedom. We also touch on Senator Euer’s efforts to support media literacy as part of civic education in Rhode Island schools.   References RI Senator Dawn Euer https://www.rilegislature.gov/senators/euer/Pages/Biography.aspx Contraceptive Coverage Bill S2254 https://www.rilegislature.gov/pressrelease/_layouts/RIL.PressRelease.ListStructure/Forms/DisplayForm.aspx?List=c8baae31-3c10-431c-8dcd-9dbbe21ce3e9&ID=376323 Media Literacy Bill S0638 chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/SenateText25/S0638.pdf Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/19-1392_6j37.pdf WPRI 12+ free TV app  Stream bite-size episodes of Law 401 anytime on WPRI 12+  https://www.wpri.com/wpri-12-tv-app/  The information provided is for general informational purposes only and may not apply to individual situations; listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel before acting on any information discussed.

Who Controls Elections in Rhode Island? Voting Laws Explained

Rhode Island voting rights are the focus of this week’s episode, as we unpack how elections really work — from voter registration and ID requirements to the officials and systems that run the process behind the scenes. Hosts Michael and Nicole sit down with Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore to discuss the structure of election administration, the balance of state and federal power, and what “nationalizing elections” really means. If you’ve ever wondered who controls your vote and how secure and accessible the system is, this will give you the clarity every voter should have.   Resources Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore https://www.sos.ri.gov/about-us [https://www.sos.ri.gov/about-us] Rhode Island Voter Information Center https://vote.sos.ri.gov/ [https://vote.sos.ri.gov/] “Federal judge dismisses DOJ lawsuit seeking personal details about Rhode Island voters,” PBS News https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/federal-judge-dismisses-doj-lawsuit-seeking-personal-details-about-rhode-island-voters [https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/federal-judge-dismisses-doj-lawsuit-seeking-personal-details-about-rhode-island-voters] WPRI 12+ free TV app Stream bite-size episodes of Law 401 anytime on WPRI 12+ https://www.wpri.com/wpri-12-tv-app/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUhNTUFELXBuUHN5b3owaVh4QnFYV2h0TGtNZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttbFYyS0h3ZEhlaWFFU0g3bmJxeUdhTzhFVVBHS1JDX3NvWFFwRWFfNkpaWEpsMkpjeHkyUTJBU0FFSzQ3SFhQOUVTTmU1cWZRVl8zcEFzRVBJOUU0Zk5LcWpfQkkwQmRPbFY4RXRWeTB4elNnMnZCOA&q=https://www.wpri.com/wpri-12-tv-app/&v=giAw2JOHEzU]   Disclaimer: The information provided is for general informational purposes only and may not apply to individual situations; listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel before acting on any information discussed.