This bill establishes the Green Buildings Act Commission, a 17-member body tasked with overseeing the implementation of green building standards for public construction projects. The legislation requires that all new or significantly renovated public facilities larger than 10,000 square feet meet specific environmental certification standards, such as LEED, SITES, or equivalent high-performance benchmarks, as a condition for receiving building permits and certificates of occupancy. Public school facilities receiving state funding must comply with these standards or the Northeast Collaborative for High-Performance Schools Protocol. The Department of Administration's State Building Office will provide administrative support and funding to the commission, while public agencies must submit required reports and information to ensure compliance with the new requirements.
Sets the allocation to RIPTA at the greater of $0.1175 per gallon or 29.375% of total proceeds, with $0.005 per gallon derived from the $0.01 per gallon environmental protection fee.
Requires the producer of artificial turf and turf infill sold or distributed in RI to report its chain of custody, from installation to use, repurposing, recycling and disposal to the department of environmental management.
$20,000,000) TO SUPPORT GREEN ECONOMY AND CLEAN ENERGY BOND INITIATIVES (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $20,000,000 to support the green economy and clean energy bond initiatives.
Takes several measures to lead by example by banning state purchases of plastic bottles, and requires state funds to be used to lease or purchase electric vehicles and renewable energy efficient technologies for use on state property.
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.
Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of five million dollars ($5,000,000) to the RI Public Transit Authority to continue services, hire and train more bus operators, and implement the State's Act on Climate goals.
This bill would allow restaurants and other food service establishments in Rhode Island to accept reusable containers brought by customers for filling or refilling with takeout food and drinks. The legislation defines consumer-provided containers as durable, cleanable receptacles that are structurally sound and free from contamination, and it requires the Department of Health to update food safety rules by July 2027 to permit this practice. The bill also mandates that the department create and publish guidance materials for businesses on inspecting containers, preventing cross-contamination, and following safe operational procedures. Importantly, the law does not require establishments to accept or fill customer-provided containers, leaving that decision to individual businesses.
This bill proposes a $25 million bond referendum to the Rhode Island voters for approval at the November 2026 election to fund a statewide bicycle infrastructure network. If approved, the state would issue bonds to finance planning, design, and construction of priority projects outlined in the Rhode Island Statewide Bicycle Mobility Plan. The funding would support building safe, connected bicycle facilities across the state to improve transportation options, reduce emissions, and promote public health. The bill requires voter approval before any bonds can be issued, ensuring public consent for the capital investment.
Enacts the Old Growth Forest Protection Act to provide protection for state-owned forestland in their natural state prohibiting extractive logging and clearcutting in any forest on state-owned land.
