Rhode IslandS28852026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

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

Sponsored By: Stefano V. Famiglietti (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Asbestos abatement plans and penalties

Owners with friable asbestos must file an abatement plan within 120 days of notice. Filing the plan pauses owner liability during abatement, and the director decides within 90 days. Approvals end 12 months after issuance; a court order pause does not void the approval. The department can charge plan review fees after following chapter 35 of title 42. If friable asbestos is present or work is underway, warning signs must be posted at all public entrances, and noncompliance is recorded in land records. After a hearing, fines can reach $2,500 per day and the area can be closed; no fine applies if only designated competent persons or certified consultants can access the area.

Indoor asbestos air limit set statewide

The law sets a default indoor, non‑work asbestos limit of 0.01 fibers per cubic centimeter or 300 nanograms per cubic meter. It uses OSHA‑NIOSH optical microscopy and an eight‑hour time‑weighted average. The health director can set stricter standards, limit asbestos sale and use, require inspections and abatement plans, set occupancy rules, license and certify workers, and provide education.

Licensed contractors required for asbestos work

You must hold a state asbestos contractor license to do abatement, dispose of friable asbestos, or demolish parts that contain it. Permits for work with asbestos need a certified copy of an approved abatement plan and the contractor’s license. The state posts a public list of licensed contractors. It is illegal to claim you are a licensed contractor, supervisor, worker, lab, consultant, or project monitor without a valid license or certificate, or to claim services beyond your license.

Radon pros: licenses, fees, and fines

People who offer radon testing, diagnostics, mitigation planning, or related training must be licensed under state rules. The department may charge license and certification fees after following chapter 35 of title 42. Licensed mitigation contractors must notify the department before starting work in public or high‑priority buildings. Doing these services without a license brings a $500 fine for the first offense, and $1,000 for later ones, plus forfeiting fees from the job. Fines and forfeitures go to the state general fund.

Train staff; small asbestos repairs allowed

Owners of public and private non‑residential buildings must appoint enough employees to be “competent persons” within 18 months. They inspect known or presumed asbestos, keep records, help write specs, monitor work, and warn occupants. Parents or teacher reps may get certified, join inspections, and see records. The department sets training rules and issues an “asbestos certified” photo ID; only cardholders may do small spot repairs within size limits. Fees may apply, and breaking spot‑repair limits can bring fines up to $500 per violation.

DIY radon testing allowed at home

If you own and live in your home, you can test or fix radon there without a license. Anyone may test their own living area without a license.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Stefano V. Famiglietti
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Peter A. Appollonio, Jr.
Democratic • Senate
Andrew R. Dimitri
Democratic • Senate
Todd M. Patalano
Democratic • Senate
Brian J. Thompson
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 137 • No: 0

House vote • 6/4/2026

ASBESTOS ABATEMENT PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 63 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/27/2026

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- ASBESTOS ABATEMENT Passage

Yes: 37 • No: 0