Senator Urso Sworn In As General Assembly Convenes
STATE HOUSE — Sen. Lori Urso was formally sworn into the Senate today as the 2025-26 term of the Rhode Island General Assembly convened.
Senator Urso
Senator Urso (D-Dist. 8, Pawtucket) will serve on the Senate Committee on Environment and Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services. She is also expected to serve on a new Senate Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies.
The Senate Committee on Environment and Agriculture considers issues relating to the conservation of air, land, water, plants, animals, minerals and other natural resources of the state.
The Senate Health and Human Services Committee handles all legislation and matters relative to public health and welfare; health care and human service access and quality; health and human service professional standards of practice, and facility standards of care.
The Senate Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies is being formed to consider legislation and matters relating to emerging artificial intelligence technologies and their societal, ethical and policy implications.
Senator Urso was one of six new members of the Senate who took the oath of office, which was administered to all 38 senators by Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore.
The Senate began its legislative year today with a program that included the reelection of Sen. Dominick J. Ruggerio (D-Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence) as the president of the Senate.
Senator Urso has been president and CEO of Pawtucket’s Old Slater Mill Association since 2014, helping to preserve, protect and promote the national historic landmark.
She previously spent ten years as the executive director of the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association, working to preserve the Wood-Pawcatuck watershed while promoting sustainable public access.
She holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Rhode Island and a Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University. She is a graduate of Classical High School in Providence.