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Rhode IslandS26012026 Regular SessionSenate

AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- FACILITATING BUSINESS RAPID RESPONSE TO STATE DECLARED DISASTER ACT OF 2024 .

Sponsored By: Matthew L. LaMountain (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Stricter scrap metal rules for recyclers

Beginning January 1, 2027, licensed secondary metals recyclers must follow tighter steps. Parts from wired and wireless communications gear now count as regulated metals. When they buy listed metals or items known to be from utilities or communications companies, they must keep them separate and unaltered for three days and notify police right away. Before paying a seller, they must tell the seller that the seller is required to notify the police about covered materials. Burned or stripped insulation creates a presumption the material is regulated and subject to these rules.

Stronger protections for internet and power gear

Beginning January 1, 2027, Rhode Island treats broadband and wireless equipment like other protected communications and electric gear. It is a crime to willfully damage broadband, Internet, or wireless apparatus, with penalties up to a $3,000 fine or up to two years in jail. Wireless equipment is added to the state's critical infrastructure definition, so it receives the same protections and permitting rules as other vital systems.

Cities can vary zoning to protect infrastructure

Beginning January 1, 2027, cities and towns may grant variances or other zoning relief to protect critical infrastructure. Boards can approve changes when the property has been hit by, or faces a clear risk of, vandalism, trespass, theft, or damage from extreme weather or climate change. Standard notice, hearing, and variance rules still apply.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Matthew L. LaMountain

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • John P. Burke

    Democratic • Senate

  • Walter S. Felag Jr.

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 106 • No: 1

House vote • 6/8/2026

STATE DECLARED DISASTER ACT 2024 PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 69 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/3/2026

BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- STATE DECLARED DISASTER ACT 2024 Passage

Yes: 37 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 144

    6/18/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/16/2026Governor

  3. House passed Sub A in concurrence

    6/8/2026House

  4. Placed on the House Consent Calendar (06/08/2026)

    6/5/2026House

  5. Senate passed Sub A

    6/3/2026Senate

  6. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/03/2026)

    5/27/2026Senate

  7. Committee recommends passage of Sub A

    5/26/2026

  8. Scheduled for consideration (05/26/2026)

    5/22/2026

  9. Committee recommended Substitute A be held for further study

    4/2/2026

  10. Committee recommended indefinite postponement

    4/2/2026

  11. Proposed Substitute

    4/1/2026

  12. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/02/2026)

    3/27/2026

  13. Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary

    2/13/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • S2601 - As Introduced

    2/13/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • S2601 - Substitute

    2/13/2026

    HTMLPDF

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