Walter S. Felag, Jr.

Introduced a bill on February 10, 2021, requiring pharmacists to tell customers about cheaper generic drugs and when paying cash would cost less. It was held in committee.

February 10, 2021Supports Healthcare Affordability

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on June 19, 2026, that clarified how the state enforces its 2024 ban on consumer products with added PFAS.

June 19, 2026Supports Environment and Public Health

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Voted to ban plants that burn or chemically break down waste and plastics into fuel at the Quonset industrial park until June 2027. It passed the Senate 29-9.

June 10, 2026Supports Environment and Public Health

Source: legiscan.com

Sponsored a law, signed on June 24, 2025, that requires certified athletic trainers to be trained in and carry epinephrine auto-injectors.

June 24, 2025Supports Environment and Public Health

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Voted to make kratom legal to sell to adults 21 and over, with labeling rules and a ban on mixing it with harmful substances. It passed the Senate 23-10.

June 21, 2025Supports Environment and Public Health

Source: legiscan.com

Voted to replace the 10-member coastal council with a 7-member board whose members must have environmental expertise. It passed the Senate 25-10.

June 20, 2025Supports Environment and Public Health

Source: legiscan.com

Voted to require that cosmetic procedures at medical spas be done by a doctor or by staff a doctor supervises on site. It passed the Senate 28-9.

June 17, 2025Supports Environment and Public Health

Source: legiscan.com

Sponsored a law, signed on June 10, 2025, that bans making or selling firefighter protective gear containing added PFAS chemicals.

June 10, 2025Supports Environment and Public Health

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Voted to keep Rhode Island's supervised drug-use centers open two more years, to March 2028. The centers are meant to prevent overdose deaths. It passed the Senate 27-7.

May 13, 2025Supports Environment and Public Health

Source: legiscan.com

Voted for a program tracking the energy and water use of large buildings, with energy performance standards. It passed the Senate 31-6.

June 12, 2024Supports Environment and Public Health

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on June 22, 2023, that requires water systems with PFAS above the state's interim drinking water limit to sign a consent agreement to fix it.

June 22, 2023Supports Environment and Public Health

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on June 27, 2022, that requires the state to set limits on PFAS, the 'forever chemicals', in drinking water, groundwater and surface water.

June 27, 2022Supports Environment and Public Health

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on July 9, 2021, that has the state education department and waste agency provide school lessons on litter prevention and recycling.

July 9, 2021Supports Environment and Public Health

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Voted for a two-year pilot of harm reduction centers, where people can use drugs they already have under medical supervision. It passed the Senate 30-7.

July 1, 2021Supports Environment and Public Health

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Voted for the 2021 Act on Climate, which made the state's greenhouse gas reduction targets mandatory. It passed the Senate 28-9.

April 6, 2021Supports Environment and Public Health

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on July 2, 2018, that extended Good Samaritan overdose protections to people who seek help for alcohol overdoses, including underage drinkers.

July 2, 2018Supports Environment and Public Health

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on September 28, 2017, that addresses sudden cardiac arrest in student athletes through awareness and medical evaluations.

September 28, 2017Supports Environment and Public Health

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on July 12, 2016, that requires the state's waste agency to report on the economic impact of recycling and progress toward its 50 percent diversion goal.

July 12, 2016Supports Environment and Public Health

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on June 24, 2016, that lets every school keep epinephrine injectors to give students in an emergency.

June 24, 2016Supports Environment and Public Health

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Introduced a carbon pricing bill on February 25, 2015, taxing fossil fuels entering the state to pay for a clean energy fund. It was held in committee.

February 25, 2015Supports Environment and Public Health

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on July 2, 2014, that requires teachers and school nurses to take a concussion and brain injury training course.

July 2, 2014Supports Environment and Public Health

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on May 25, 2012, that lets school bus drivers and monitors give epinephrine in an emergency.

May 25, 2012Supports Environment and Public Health

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on July 1, 2011, that set stronger rules on how schools must handle youth athletes who get concussions.

July 1, 2011Supports Environment and Public Health

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on June 9, 2010, that requires school districts to work with the state sports league on concussion education for youth coaches and players.

June 9, 2010Supports Environment and Public Health

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Introduced a bill on January 30, 2026, to raise the state earned income tax credit to 30 percent starting in 2027. It was held in committee.

January 30, 2026Supports Reduce Wealth Gap

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a bill raising the state earned income tax credit to 16 percent of the federal credit in 2024. It passed the Senate 36-0 on June 14, 2023.

June 14, 2023Supports Reduce Wealth Gap

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Voted for raising Rhode Island's minimum wage from $11.50 to $15 an hour over four years. It passed the Senate 29-7.

May 18, 2021Supports Reduce Wealth Gap

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Voted for raising the state minimum wage to $9 an hour in 2015. It passed the Senate 32-5.

June 19, 2014Supports Reduce Wealth Gap

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Voted to treat a police officer's heart disease, stroke or high blood pressure as a job-related disability, as firefighters are already treated. It passed the Senate 29-8.

May 15, 2025Supports Labor Rights

Source: legiscan.com

Voted for covering domestic workers in private homes under the state minimum wage law. It passed the Senate 32-5.

June 13, 2024Supports Labor Rights

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a bill basing teachers' pensions on their three highest-paid years instead of five. It passed the Senate 34-0 on June 13, 2024.

June 13, 2024Supports Labor Rights

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on July 6, 2021, that lets 288 hours of trade school training count toward the journeyman electrician exam.

July 6, 2021Supports Labor Rights

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Voted for raising Rhode Island's minimum wage from $11.50 to $15 an hour over four years. It passed the Senate 29-7.

May 18, 2021Supports Labor Rights

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Voted for requiring employers with 18 or more workers to give paid sick days. It passed the Senate 26-8.

June 30, 2017Supports Labor Rights

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on July 6, 2016, that expanded job protections for National Guard members returning to work after service.

July 6, 2016Supports Labor Rights

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on July 3, 2014, that lets veterans and National Guard members count military training toward apprenticeship requirements.

July 3, 2014Supports Labor Rights

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Voted for raising the state minimum wage to $9 an hour in 2015. It passed the Senate 32-5.

June 19, 2014Supports Labor Rights

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on July 15, 2013, that makes it easier for service members and their spouses to get state professional licenses.

July 15, 2013Supports Labor Rights

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on June 24, 2024, that requires cities and towns running their own pension plans to send their actuarial studies to a state advisory council.

June 24, 2024Supports Government Efficiency

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on July 12, 2011, that created a state investment pool that cities, towns and other public agencies can join.

July 12, 2011Supports Government Efficiency

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on June 16, 2010, that created a state office of regulatory reform to review business permits and rules.

June 16, 2010Supports Government Efficiency

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Voted to let Providence raise its property tax levy by up to 8 percent in one year, above the usual state cap. It passed the Senate 28-7.

June 20, 2025Opposes Cost of Living Reduction

Source: legiscan.com

Voted to bury part of a high-voltage power line in Providence and East Providence. Electric customers in those two cities pay the extra cost through their bills. It passed the Senate 28-9.

June 18, 2025Opposes Cost of Living Reduction

Source: legiscan.com

Voted to keep federal immigration agents at least 200 feet from any polling place while voting is going on. It passed the Senate 29-8.

June 9, 2026Supports Immigration

Source: legiscan.com

Sponsored a bill basing teachers' pensions on their three highest-paid years instead of five. It passed the Senate 34-0 on June 13, 2024.

June 13, 2024Opposes Government Spending Reduction

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Voted for the 2011 overhaul of state and municipal worker pensions, which changed both benefits and worker contributions. It passed the Senate 34-2.

November 17, 2011Supports Government Spending Reduction

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Voted to make it a crime for a prisoner to use force or a weapon to resist a lawful order from a corrections officer. It passed the Senate 25-13.

June 11, 2026Supports Public Safety and Crime Control

Source: legiscan.com

Sponsored a law, signed on July 11, 2013, that joined Rhode Island to the International Emergency Management Assistance Compact.

July 11, 2013Supports Public Safety and Crime Control

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, enacted on June 25, 2010, requiring ships over 150 feet carrying mainly hazardous cargo, such as liquefied natural gas, to have at least 25 feet of clearance under bridges.

June 25, 2010Supports Public Safety and Crime Control

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on June 22, 2010, that stops people subject to sex offender community notification from delaying that notice unless a court agrees.

June 22, 2010Supports Public Safety and Crime Control

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on July 2, 2008, that holds adults criminally responsible for giving alcohol to people under 21 or letting them drink on their property.

July 2, 2008Supports Public Safety and Crime Control

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on July 2, 2007, that made it a misdemeanor to disrupt a military funeral or memorial service.

July 2, 2007Supports Public Safety and Crime Control

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on June 27, 2007, that made street racing of motor vehicles a specific crime.

June 27, 2007Supports Public Safety and Crime Control

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Voted to define co-living housing, where residents rent a private room and share a kitchen or bath, and let towns allow it. It passed the Senate 25-10.

June 20, 2025Supports Housing Affordability

Source: legiscan.com

Voted to require town zoning rules to allow homes in commercial districts, including apartments above shops. It passed the Senate 25-10.

June 20, 2025Supports Housing Affordability

Source: legiscan.com

Sponsored a bill counting manufactured homes on long-term leased land as affordable housing. The amended bill passed the Senate 30-7 on June 18, 2025.

June 18, 2025Supports Housing Affordability

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on June 25, 2024, that counts housing paid through a federal voucher or subsidy as low and moderate income housing.

June 25, 2024Supports Housing Affordability

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on June 19, 2012, that bans private fees charged each time a property is resold.

June 19, 2012Supports Housing Affordability

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on June 6, 2012, that limits foreclosures on homes owned by service members in certain cases.

June 6, 2012Supports Housing Affordability

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a bill barring building, permit and inspection fees for home changes a disabled veteran needs. It passed the Senate 37-0 on May 19, 2026.

May 19, 2026Supports Social Programs and Welfare

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on June 30, 2025, that bans improper fees and conduct by people who help veterans file disability benefit claims.

June 30, 2025Supports Social Programs and Welfare

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on June 14, 2023, that requires the head of the state Veterans Home to be a licensed nursing home administrator.

June 14, 2023Supports Social Programs and Welfare

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a bill extending the state's home care program to people under 65 with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. It passed the Senate 37-0 on June 29, 2021.

June 29, 2021Supports Social Programs and Welfare

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on July 2, 2018, that widened which disabilities qualify veterans for a waiver of car registration fees.

July 2, 2018Supports Social Programs and Welfare

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on June 23, 2014, that gives permanently disabled resident veterans free tuition at state colleges if they meet academic rules.

June 23, 2014Supports Social Programs and Welfare

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on July 15, 2013, that calls for a veterans' benefits pocket guide and an online list of benefits, if funded.

July 15, 2013Supports Social Programs and Welfare

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on July 11, 2013, that created a veterans' services advisory committee to write and update a five-year statewide plan.

July 11, 2013Supports Social Programs and Welfare

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on July 9, 2011, that changed eligibility, premiums and cost sharing for workers with disabilities in the Sherlock Medicaid buy-in program.

July 9, 2011Supports Social Programs and Welfare

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on June 30, 2011, that opened the military family relief fund to active duty members who live in or entered service from Rhode Island.

June 30, 2011Supports Social Programs and Welfare

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on November 9, 2009, that created a state Department of Veterans' Affairs.

November 9, 2009Supports Social Programs and Welfare

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on July 2, 2007, that gives veterans with a Disabled Veteran license plate the same parking rights as people with a disability parking placard.

July 2, 2007Supports Social Programs and Welfare

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on June 19, 2026, that lets children of military families enroll in school remotely by showing the parent's military orders.

June 19, 2026Supports Public Education Quality

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on June 23, 2014, that gives permanently disabled resident veterans free tuition at state colleges if they meet academic rules.

June 23, 2014Supports Public Education Quality

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Voted to ban the sale, manufacture and purchase of assault-style firearms in Rhode Island starting July 2026. It passed the Senate 25-11.

June 20, 2025Supports Gun Control

Source: legiscan.com

Voted for requiring gun owners to store firearms safely, with penalties for violations. It passed the Senate 30-7.

June 6, 2024Supports Gun Control

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Voted for raising the minimum age to buy guns or ammunition from 18 to 21. It passed the Senate 32-5.

June 14, 2022Supports Gun Control

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Voted for banning carrying a loaded rifle or shotgun in public, with exceptions such as hunting and police work. It passed the Senate 32-5.

June 14, 2022Supports Gun Control

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Voted for banning buying a gun for someone who may not legally have one and raising penalties for lying on gun purchase forms. It passed the Senate 25-12.

July 1, 2021Supports Gun Control

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Voted for shielding Rhode Island health care providers from lawsuits and prosecution by other states over reproductive and gender-affirming care. It passed the Senate 31-6.

June 13, 2024Supports Women's Reproductive Rights

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Voted against covering abortion in Medicaid and state employee health plans. It passed the Senate 24-13.

May 18, 2023Opposes Women's Reproductive Rights

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Voted against the Reproductive Privacy Act, which wrote abortion rights under Roe v. Wade into state law. It passed the Senate 21-17.

June 19, 2019Opposes Women's Reproductive Rights

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Voted to keep federal immigration agents at least 200 feet from any polling place while voting is going on. It passed the Senate 29-8.

June 9, 2026Supports Election Integrity

Source: legiscan.com

Sponsored a bill removing the age requirement for the state income tax break on Social Security income. It passed the Senate 38-0 on June 11, 2026.

June 11, 2026Supports Personal Income Tax Reduction

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Introduced a bill on January 30, 2026, to raise the state earned income tax credit to 30 percent starting in 2027. It was held in committee.

January 30, 2026Supports Personal Income Tax Reduction

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a bill raising the state earned income tax credit to 16 percent of the federal credit in 2024. It passed the Senate 36-0 on June 14, 2023.

June 14, 2023Supports Personal Income Tax Reduction

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a bill phasing out the state income tax on military pensions by 2027. It passed the Senate 37-0 on June 22, 2022.

June 22, 2022Supports Personal Income Tax Reduction

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Introduced a bill on April 30, 2014, to cut the state sales tax from 7 percent to 3 percent. It was held in committee.

April 30, 2014Supports Personal Income Tax Reduction

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Introduced a bill on February 4, 2010, to cut the state gas tax from 32 cents to 28 cents a gallon. It was held in committee.

February 4, 2010Supports Personal Income Tax Reduction

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Voted for shielding Rhode Island health care providers from lawsuits and prosecution by other states over reproductive and gender-affirming care. It passed the Senate 31-6.

June 13, 2024Supports Civil Rights

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Voted for the Let RI Vote Act, which allowed mail voting without an excuse and dropped the witness or notary rule for mail ballots. It passed the Senate 32-6.

May 24, 2022Supports Civil Rights

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on July 9, 2015, that bans housing discrimination based on military status.

July 9, 2015Supports Civil Rights

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Voted against the bill legalizing same-sex marriage in Rhode Island. It passed the Senate 26-12.

April 24, 2013Opposes Civil Rights

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on June 30, 2025, that bans improper fees and conduct by people who help veterans file disability benefit claims.

June 30, 2025Supports Corporate Accountability

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on June 10, 2025, that bans making or selling firefighter protective gear containing added PFAS chemicals.

June 10, 2025Supports Corporate Accountability

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Introduced a bill on March 19, 2025, banning card processing fees on the tax and tip portions of purchases. It was held in committee.

March 19, 2025Supports Corporate Accountability

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Voted to bury part of a high-voltage power line in Providence and East Providence. Electric customers in those two cities pay the extra cost through their bills. It passed the Senate 28-9.

June 18, 2025Supports Public Infrastructure

Source: legiscan.com

Voted to let Rhode Island's electric utility buy nuclear power and sign long-term contracts for it. It passed the Senate 23-14.

June 18, 2025Supports Public Infrastructure

Source: legiscan.com

Voted for tolls on large commercial trucks to pay for bridge repairs. It passed the Senate 25-12.

February 11, 2016Supports Public Infrastructure

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on June 19, 2026, that created a Rhode Island Orange Heart Medal for veterans exposed to toxic herbicides, burn pits and other hazards.

June 19, 2026

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Chaired the Senate Committee on Special Legislation and Veterans' Affairs when the Senate passed his disabled veteran home fee bill on May 19, 2026.

May 19, 2026

Source: rilegislature.gov

Voted against changing the deadline for a town's written zoning answer to 20 days and letting the applicant appeal it. It passed the Senate 28-7.

June 21, 2025

Source: legiscan.com

Voted against requiring town zoning rules to allow attached single-family homes, such as townhouses, in designated districts. It passed the Senate 23-12.

June 20, 2025

Source: legiscan.com

Voted against requiring town zoning rules to allow housing other than detached single-family homes in sewered urban areas. It passed the Senate 23-12.

June 20, 2025

Source: legiscan.com

Sponsored a law, signed on June 17, 2025, that waives vehicle identification number inspection fees for veterans and military members.

June 17, 2025

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Voted for requiring mail ballot drop boxes to open 35 days before an election. It passed the Senate 32-5.

June 11, 2024

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Voted for the overhaul of the Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights, which changed how police discipline hearings work. It passed the Senate 33-4.

June 6, 2024

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on June 26, 2023, that lets cities and towns hold two 60-day tax amnesty periods waiving interest and penalties on late taxes.

June 26, 2023

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Won re-election to Senate District 10 in November 2022, beating Republican Allyn Meyers 2,613 votes to 1,422.

November 8, 2022

Source: eastbayri.com

Voted to legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older and set up a state commission to regulate sales. It passed the Senate 32-6.

May 24, 2022

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, enacted on July 10, 2021, that exempts volunteer fire companies overseen by another public body from some open meetings posting rules.

July 10, 2021

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on October 5, 2017, that created the Rhode Island Sailing Events Commission to bring marine events to the state.

October 5, 2017

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, enacted on September 29, 2017, that lets the Warren town council create a municipal housing court.

September 29, 2017

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on July 6, 2016, that lets private employers give veterans preference in hiring and promotion.

July 6, 2016

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on July 10, 2015, that requires stores offering a veterans' discount to accept the veteran mark on a Rhode Island driver's license as proof.

July 10, 2015

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on June 21, 2012, that lets public agencies use or dispose of derelict or abandoned boats without further notice to the owners.

June 21, 2012

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on June 20, 2012, that replaced several charges on health insurers, which pay for child vaccines and health services, with one health care services surcharge.

June 20, 2012

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Introduced a bill on January 18, 2012, to ban tolls on the Mount Hope Bridge. It was held in committee.

January 18, 2012

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Voted to let voters decide on allowing state-run casino gambling at Twin River and Newport Grand. It passed the Senate 21-14.

June 11, 2010

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on November 9, 2009, that bars the state from selling military medals turned over to the treasurer as unclaimed property and requires returning them.

November 9, 2009

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Sponsored a law, signed on June 11, 2007, that lets parents get a state certificate of birth for a stillborn baby.

June 11, 2007

Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov

Voted for making Rhode Island's medical marijuana law permanent and widening who can be a caregiver. It passed the Senate 28-5.

May 3, 2007

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov

Voted on January 3, 2006, for the Medical Marijuana Act, which protected seriously ill patients, their doctors and caregivers from arrest for medical marijuana use. It passed the Senate 30-5.

January 3, 2006

Source: votes.rilegislature.gov