WEEKLY UPDATE
February 2
Another 100+ bills were introduced last Friday as General Assembly members have settled into the session this year. Approximately 20 bills were added to our bill tracker, with the majority being in the “Food Businesses” category. Read more about some of the bills added this week below.
Last week’s update included mention of the first of RIFPC’s policy priorities to be introduced. HB5195 introduced by Rep. Cortvriend would establish a Compost Fund to support composting efforts around the State. This week, a companion bill – SB104 – was introduced by Sen. Valverde. Together, these bills are one of two key policy priorities in our Food, Climate, & Environment Work Group.
- HB5217 – establishes the Rhode Island Clean Air Preservation Act that establishes a regulatory process to prohibit polluting atmospheric experimentation
- HB5286 – exempting for the sales and use tax, the sale of beer and malt beverages at retail.
- SB85 – requires grocery stores to specifically limit the number of self-service checkout units to six units per location. The consumer protection unit of the department of attorney general would have authority to enforce these restrictions.
- SB90 – permits and legalizes the sale of raw milk
- SB108 – directs the General Assembly to fund ten full time equivalent positions in FY 2026 to support DEM’s efforts in the areas of forestry and forestry projects
- SB125 – sets the minimum wage for 2026 to $16 per hour, 2027 at $17 per hour, 2028 to $18 per hour, 2029 at $19 per hour and for 2030 at $20 per hour.
- SB130 – changes the fine for any person convicted of a first violation of this chapter from $85 to $200, and increases the period of time that the violator may be ordered to pick up litter