Rhode IslandH79262026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- ASBESTOS ABATEMENT .

Sponsored By: June Speakman (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.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

Tougher asbestos rules for building owners

If friable asbestos is found, you must file an abatement plan within 120 days. Plans must be approved before most renovation or demolition involving asbestos, and permits are issued only with an approved plan and a licensed contractor. The interim indoor air limit is 0.01 fibers/cc (300 ng/m3). The director reviews plans within 90 days; approvals last 12 months, with limited extensions, and you can request a hearing within 10 days of a decision. Public-access buildings with violations or ongoing work must post warnings, and violations may be recorded in local land records. Owners who allow violative exposure face closure and fines up to $2,500 per day. If a city orders demolition of an unsafe building, all friable asbestos still must be removed first by a licensed contractor under a demolition plan approved by the director.

Licensing and training for asbestos work

You must be licensed to do asbestos abatement, dispose of friable asbestos, or demolish where friable asbestos is present. The director sets licensing and training rules and can charge fees after following state procedures. Owners of public or other nonresidential buildings must appoint and train “competent persons” within 18 months to inspect, keep records, and oversee abatement. Only people with an “asbestos certified” photo ID may do spot repairs, and spot-repair licensees are limited to small jobs set by the director. Violations can bring fines up to $500 per violation.

Radon testers and fixers must be licensed

Anyone who offers radon screening, diagnostic testing, mitigation planning, or training must be licensed or certified. The director can charge licensing and certification fees after following state procedures. Unlicensed work faces $500 for the first offense and $1,000 for later offenses, plus forfeiture of any fees collected. Licensed mitigation contractors must notify the department before starting work in public or high‑priority buildings.

Homeowners can test or fix radon

If you own or rent and live in a home, you may test for radon and fix it yourself without a state license. The exemption also covers testing your own living area.

Check licensed asbestos pros and claims

The health department posts a public, online list of licensed asbestos contractors. It is unlawful to claim you are a licensed contractor, supervisor, worker, lab, consultant, or project monitor without a current license or certificate. Licensees may not advertise services beyond what their license allows.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

June Speakman
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Jennifer Boylan
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 68 • No: 0

House vote • 4/28/2026

HEALTH - ASBESTOS ABATEMENT PASSAGE