Rhode IslandS26472026 Regular SessionSenate

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- COMMERCIAL KITCHEN EXHAUST SYSTEM INSPECTION AND CLEANING, LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION ACT .

Sponsored By: Peter A. Appollonio, Jr. (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.

License and staffing rules for businesses

Beginning July 1, 2027, any business that inspects or cleans commercial kitchen exhausts must hold an OSFM license. Every technician doing the work must be OSFM-certified. To get a license, you must employ at least two certified technicians (one is the applicant or a principal), have approved equipment, carry general liability insurance, and keep workers’ compensation if you have employees.

Renewals, decals, and hazard notices

Beginning July 1, 2027, licenses and technician certificates last three years. Initial fees are $200 for a business license and $100 per technician; renewals are $100 for the license and $50 per technician, with five hours of continuing education. After each job, buy and place the OSFM hood decal with the date, worker, company, and your license/certificate numbers. Keep compliance records for three years. If you find a critical condition, notify the fire marshal and the client in writing within 24 hours, with photos or video under NFPA 1, chapter 50.

Stronger penalties and firm liability

Beginning July 1, 2027, OSFM can deny, suspend, or revoke licenses and certificates for fraud, misrepresentation, noncompliance, or using unlicensed workers. It can fine up to $1,000 per violation and issue cease-and-desist orders. After three OSFM violation findings, later violations are misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine. Firms are responsible for the acts of their owners, officers, and technicians; those acts can lead to suspension or revocation of the firm’s license.

How to appeal OSFM actions

Beginning July 1, 2027, when OSFM takes adverse action, it must give written notice and your right to a hearing. You may appeal first to the Rhode Island Fire Safety Code Board of Appeal and Review. You may then appeal the board’s final decision to the sixth division of the district court within 30 days.

State fire marshal runs program

Beginning July 1, 2027, the State Fire Marshal sets rules to run and enforce the kitchen exhaust licensing and certification program. All fees collected go into a restricted account that funds this program’s administration and operations.

Rules to become a certified technician

Beginning July 1, 2027, technicians must be certified. You must be 18 or older, show at least 30 hours of hands-on cleaning, and complete approved training or an apprenticeship. You must pass the exam with a 70% or higher (30- and 60-day waits for retakes). You also need a Rhode Island state criminal background check.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Peter A. Appollonio, Jr.
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 181 • No: 58

Senate vote • 6/10/2026

HEALTH/SAFETY-COMMERCIAL KITCHEN LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION ACT In Concurrence

Yes: 37 • No: 1

House vote • 6/8/2026

COMM KITCHEN EXHAUST SYSTEM PASSAGE PASSAGE OF AMENDMENT

Yes: 12 • No: 51

House vote • 6/8/2026

COMM KITCHEN EXHAUST SYSTEM PASSAGE

Yes: 58 • No: 6

Senate vote • 5/5/2026

HEALTH & SAFETY -- COMMERCIAL KITCHEN EXHAUST SYSTEM ACT Passage

Yes: 37 • No: 0