By Gina Macris

A federal judge has canceled a civil contempt hearing that was to begin Monday, Oct. 18 against the state of Rhode Island over continued for violations of a 2014 consent decree designed to help Rhode Islanders with developmental disabilities lead regular lives in their communities.

Chief Judget John J. McConnell, Jr. of U.S. District Court entered the notice in the court record Oct. 13 but did not give a reason for the cancelation.

State officials have been trying to negotiate a settlement to the contempt proceedings with an independent court monitor. Any agreement would also require the consent of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Judge McConnell.

In a separate note on the court record, McConnell denied a recent request of the DOJ to depose the House and Senate fiscal advisors in preparation for the hearing, saying the issue is “moot.”