All Roll Calls
Yes: 98 • No: 6
Rhode IslandH78572026 Regular SessionHouse
AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- COMMERCIAL KITCHEN EXHAUST SYSTEM INSPECTION AND CLEANING, LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION ACT .
Sponsored By: Thomas E. Noret (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.
Licenses and certificates to clean kitchen hoods
Beginning July 1, 2027, no one may inspect or clean commercial kitchen exhaust systems without state approval. The business must hold an OSFM license, and every worker who does the job must hold an OSFM technician certificate. To get a business license, you must employ at least two certified technicians (one can be an owner or officer), have approved equipment, and carry required insurance. To get a technician certificate, you must be 18+, have at least 30 hours of hands‑on cleaning experience, complete OSFM‑approved training or an apprenticeship, pass the exam with 70% (30‑day wait after a first fail, 60‑day wait after a second), and pass a Rhode Island background check.
Fines, license actions, and your appeal rights
From July 1, 2027, OSFM can deny, suspend, or revoke licenses and certificates, and fine up to $1,000 per violation. After three OSFM violation findings, a later violation is a misdemeanor that can bring up to one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Firms are responsible for acts of their owners, officers, and employees. You get written notice of any adverse action and can appeal first to the Fire Safety Code Board, then to the District Court within 30 days.
24-hour notice of critical kitchen hazards
Beginning July 1, 2027, certified technicians must report any critical condition they find within 24 hours. They must notify the local fire authority and the client in writing, follow NFPA 1 rules, and include photos or video. Giving this notice does not assign legal responsibility to the technician or company.
Fees, renewals, decals, and recordkeeping rules
Starting July 1, 2027, a business license costs $200 and a technician certificate costs $100. Licenses and certificates last three years. Renewals cost $100 for businesses and $50 for technicians, and need five hours of continuing education each cycle. After each job, you must buy and place the latest OSFM decal on the hood with the date, your name, company, and license/certificate numbers. Keep compliance and work records for three years.
State Fire Marshal runs new program
The Office of the State Fire Marshal runs the kitchen exhaust licensing and certification system. The agency can make rules to set standards and processes. All program fees go into a restricted account to fund administration. The law takes effect July 1, 2027.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Thomas E. Noret
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Stephen M. Casey
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 6/10/2026
HEALTH/SAFETY-COMMERCIAL KITCHEN LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION ACT In Concurrence
Yes: 37 • No: 1
House vote • 6/4/2026
COMM. KITCHEN EXHAUST SYSTEM PASSAGE
Yes: 61 • No: 5
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor — Chapter 155
6/18/2026GovernorTransmitted to Governor
6/16/2026GovernorSenate passed Sub A in concurrence
6/10/2026SenatePlaced on Senate Calendar (06/10/2026)
6/8/2026SenateHouse passed Sub A
6/4/2026HousePlaced on House Calendar (06/04/2026)
6/2/2026HouseCommittee recommends passage of Sub A
6/2/2026Proposed Substitute
5/29/2026Scheduled for consideration (06/02/2026)
5/29/2026Committee recommended measure be held for further study
3/12/2026Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/12/2026)
3/6/2026Introduced, referred to House Corporations
2/27/2026House
Bill Text
H7857 - As Introduced
2/27/2026
H7857 - Substitute
2/27/2026
Related Bills
H8104, AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- MORTGAGES OF REAL PROPERTY .
H8046, AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE--PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- FEES .
H8025, AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION .
H7866, AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- UNFAIR CLAIMS SETTLEMENT PRACTICES ACT .
H7642, AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- DISTRICT COURT PRACTICE .
S3363, AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION .