Environment

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 19, 2026

SB 2799: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- CONSUMER PFAS BAN ACT OF 2024

SB 2799 amends the Consumer PFAS Ban Act of 2024 to clarify definitions and enforcement provisions related to the ban on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer products. The bill specifies which items are covered by the ban, including artificial turf, carpets, cookware, cosmetics, juvenile products, menstrual products, and certain apparel, while explicitly excluding items like vehicles, electronic devices, and medical equipment. By refining these definitions, the bill aims to provide clearer guidance for manufacturers and regulators on which products must comply with PFAS restrictions. This clarification helps ensure consistent enforcement of the existing ban without changing the core prohibition on intentionally added PFAS in covered consumer goods.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill strengthens environmental protection by banning PFAS, a class of persistent pollutants, in consumer products, reducing pollution and health risks.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 19, 2026

HB 7734: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- CONSUMER PFAS BAN ACT OF 2024

HB 7734 is an amendment to the existing Consumer PFAS Ban Act of 2024, clarifying how enforcement of the ban will be carried out. It does not expand the ban to new products or change the list of covered items (like carpets, cookware, cosmetics, or menstrual products). The bill specifically refines definitions related to "intentionally added PFAS" and enforcement procedures to ensure consistent application by the Department of Environmental Management. This amendment directly affects manufacturers and importers of the covered products listed in the original law.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAmends PFAS ban enforcement to strengthen environmental protection by clarifying definitions and ensuring consistent application of existing pollution controls on toxic chemicals.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 19, 2026

HB 7071: AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- PROTECTION OF TREES AND PLANTS GENERALLY -- RHODE ISLAND INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT ACT

HB 7071 would prohibit importing, transporting, selling, distributing, or possessing non-native invasive plant species in Rhode Island. It directly affects businesses and individuals handling these plants, including nurseries, landscapers, and residents. Violations could result in fines up to $500, with the state director defining which plants are prohibited. The law would take effect on January 1, 2027, pending final rulemaking.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits invasive plants to protect native ecosystems and biodiversity, directly advancing environmental conservation through regulatory control.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 19, 2026

SB 2352: AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- PROTECTION OF TREES AND PLANTS GENERALLY -- RHODE ISLAND INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT ACT

This bill establishes the Rhode Island Invasive Plant Management Act to ban the importation, sale, and distribution of non-native terrestrial and freshwater invasive plants within the state. The law requires the state director to create a specific list of prohibited species and issue detailed rules before the ban takes effect on January 1, 2027. Individuals who violate these restrictions by importing or selling these plants could face a fine of up to $500. The legislation aims to protect local ecosystems by preventing the introduction of foreign plant species that could disrupt native environments.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits invasive plant trade to protect native ecosystems and biodiversity, directly advancing environmental conservation goals.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 18, 2026

SB 2795: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PESTICIDE CONTROL

Creates rodent integrated pest management pilot programs for municipalities that choose to participate. Reports to be approved by the municipality's mayor or administrator and submitted to the department of environmental management.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes integrated pest management which reduces pesticide use and protects environmental health through sustainable rodent control methods.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 18, 2026

SB 2438: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL WASTE RECYCLING AND REFUSE DISPOSAL

Amends certain provisions relative to school waste recycling and refuse disposal and requires reports of waste audits by educational entities and reports of program participation by vendors.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates school waste recycling programs and audits, promoting resource conservation and reduced landfill waste - directly advances environmental protection through waste management requirements.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 18, 2026

HB 7342: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL WASTE RECYCLING AND REFUSE DISPOSAL

Amends certain provisions relative to school waste recycling and refuse disposal and requires reports of waste audits by educational entities and reports of program participation by vendors.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates school waste recycling audits and vendor participation reports to reduce landfill waste and promote recycling, directly advancing environmental protection through waste management.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 2, 2026

HR 7344: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE REPORTING AND EXPIRATION DATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE STUDY COMMISSION ON CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS AND SOLUTIONS

This bill establishes a permanent commission to study climate change impacts and solutions in Rhode Island. The commission, consisting of 18 members including state agency representatives, environmental groups, business associations, and coastal community members, will examine specific issues like sea level rise, flooding, beach erosion, and infrastructure vulnerabilities. It will analyze adaptation strategies - such as beach nourishment, green infrastructure, and managed retreat - and hold public hearings to gather input from stakeholders. The commission will produce reports on economic, environmental, and social implications to guide state resilience planning, with no compensation for members.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates permanent commission to study climate impacts and analyze adaptation strategies (green infrastructure, managed retreat), advancing environmental protection through systematic climate solutions.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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