R.I. Senate to Vote on Workers’ Comp Court Nominees

The Rhode Island Senate is scheduled to vote today on the confirmation of Robert E. Hardman of Narragansett to the Rhode Island Workers’ Compensation Court as an associate justice.

Hardman is an attorney in the practice of Kelly, Kelleher, Reilly and Simpson, where one of his areas of expertise is workers’ compensation litigation. He previously worked for the firm Carroll, Kelly and Murphy.

If confirmed, he will fill a vacancy left by Associate Justice George E. Healy Jr., who was elevated to the position of chief judge.

The Senate is also scheduled to vote on the confirmation of John A. Sabatini of Pawtucket as administrator of the Rhode Island Workers’ Compensation Court. Sabatini, a former senator who served as chairman of the Senate Labor Committee, has served as the interim court administrator since 2004, and worked as the court’s deputy administrator from 2002 to 2004. He would replace former administrator Dennis I. Revens.

The Senate Judiciary Committee has recommended confirmation of both candidates.