By Randal Edgar
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The House voted 39 to 26 Friday to pass a bill that would require people to take their driver training courses in Rhode Island.
Sponsored by Rep. Arthur Corvese, D-North Providence, the bill calls for the six hours of training people need to get a Rhode Island driver's license to be taken at "a licensed driver's training school in this state."
Opponents said there's no reason to have such a limitation and argued it will inconvenience people who live near the state border.
"This is absurd," said Minority Leader Brian Newberry.
But others said the bill would help Rhode Island businesses.
"I find it a little amazing that people are saying let's not give the business to Rhode Island," said Rep. Samuel Azzinarro, D-Westerly.