Environment (Forestry)

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 13, 2026

SB 3081: AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- OLD GROWTH FOREST PROTECTION ACT

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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly protects state-owned forestland by prohibiting extractive logging and clearcutting, directly advancing environmental conservation and natural resource protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Forestry

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HR 7705: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $40,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

This bill appropriates $40,000 from the state treasury to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) for participation in the Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact (NFFPC). The NFFPC is a mutual aid agreement among seven New England states, New York, and five Canadian provinces that allows states to share firefighting resources during large wildfires. Rhode Island uses this compact to access specialized equipment and personnel from other jurisdictions when local resources are overwhelmed, and this funding covers the state's share of costs for wages, transportation, and maintenance when requesting assistance. The bill does not change the compact's rules but ensures Rhode Island meets its financial obligations under the existing agreement.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates $40k from state treasury for DEM's firefighting compact participation, funding essential public safety program.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds DEM participation in wildfire compact to protect forests and natural resources through mutual firefighting aid95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Forestry

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7618: AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- PROTECTION OF TREES AND PLANTS GENERALLY

Increases the maximum penalty for certain violations related to the cutting, removal, damage by injurious liquids or gases to trees, plants and shrubs on any public highway or public land under the jurisdiction of state agencies from $500 to $1,000.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentIncreases penalties for damaging trees/plants on public land, strengthening protection of natural resources and conservation efforts.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry Public Lands

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7914: AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- NATURAL FOREST PROTECTION ACT

Protects Rhode Island natural forests by banning extractive and even-age logging on state lands and preserves, allowing only limited safety, invasive removal, or selection management after review, hearings, and fines for violations.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans extractive logging on state lands, requiring reviews/fines to protect natural forests, directly advancing environmental conservation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Forestry

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HR 8206: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $50,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

HR 8206 is a joint resolution appropriating $50,000 to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) for new firefighting equipment. It directly funds the purchase of forestry hoses, specifically for use by DEM's forestry or fire management units. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House Finance Committee. This is a straightforward budgetary request with no broader policy changes or public impact beyond the specified equipment purchase.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds $50k for DEM forestry firefighting equipment, directly enhancing natural resource protection and wildfire management within environmental agency operations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 2546: AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- STATE FORESTS AND FORESTRY PROJECTS

Directs the general assembly to fund ten full time equivalent positions in FY 2027 to support DEM's efforts in the areas of forestry and forestry projects.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly directs funding for 10 forestry positions, supporting budgetary appropriations for state programs under DEM.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds DEM forestry positions to support forest management and conservation, directly advancing environmental protection through resource allocation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Forestry

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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

Sub-Topics Forestry

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

Sub-Topics Forestry

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 7243: AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- STATE FORESTS AND FORESTRY PROJECTS

Directs the general assembly to fund ten full time equivalent positions in FY 2027 to support DEM's efforts in the areas of forestry and forestry projects.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly directs funding for 10 state positions in forestry, increasing public service appropriations under budget allocations.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds DEM forestry positions to support forest conservation projects, directly advancing environmental protection through resource management.90% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Forestry

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