David A. Bennett is a Democratic member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, representing District 20 since his first election in November 2010. Born on April 8, 1955, he serves as a psychiatric nurse and avid outdoorsman. Notable achievements include chairing the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee, where he sponsored 2023 legislation banning Styrofoam at restaurants, advanced laws limiting plastic waste, and contributed to the Act on Climate and the state's clean energy standard to create jobs, stabilize energy costs, and reduce pollution. He has also been a key proponent for raising Rhode Island's minimum wage, sponsoring increases from $7.40 to $7.75 in 2012 and every subsequent raise, including to $16 in 2026 and $17 in 2027. In 2020, he co-introduced a bill for a DCYF legislative oversight commission.

Education and Political Experience

Limited public details are available on formal education; Bennett is professionally trained as a psychiatric nurse. His political experience includes service on the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee , House Health and Human Services Committee , House Judiciary Committee , and the Quahog Joint Legislative Commission. He has held his District 20 seat continuously since January 2011.