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Rhode IslandS29462026 Regular SessionSenate

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- LICENSING OF YOUTH CAMPS .

Sponsored By: David P. Tikoian (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Camp inspections start in 2027

Beginning January 1, 2027, the health department must inspect a camp before granting its first license and then each year. The department may do the inspection or assign someone to do it. The department must also write rules for this program. Any rules for the licensing and inspection parts cannot take effect before January 1, 2027. The act takes effect upon passage, but these dated parts start on January 1, 2027.

New safety rules for youth camps

Beginning January 1, 2027, youth camps must meet new safety and staffing rules to get or keep a license. A director or assistant director must be on site at all times, and a first-aid trained staffer must be present. Staff over 18 must pass a criminal background check. All staff must be trained on behavior, supervision, emergencies, and child abuse reporting. Hazardous activities like archery, swimming, riding, and firearms need a qualified specialist in charge. Camps must provide safe water, keep buildings in good repair, keep a current fire certificate when required, keep basic camper records, post their license, and offer only services their license allows.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • David P. Tikoian

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Peter A. Appollonio, Jr.

    Democratic • Senate

  • Frank A. Ciccone, III

    Democratic • Senate

  • Pamela J. Lauria

    Democratic • Senate

  • Melissa A. Murray

    Democratic • Senate

  • Gordon E. Rogers

    Republican • Senate

  • Brian J. Thompson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lori Urso

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 107 • No: 0

House vote • 6/8/2026

LICENSING OF YOUTH CAMPS PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 69 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/3/2026

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- LICENSING OF YOUTH CAMPS Passage

Yes: 38 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 235

    6/19/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/16/2026Governor

  3. House passed in concurrence

    6/8/2026House

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

    6/5/2026House

  5. Senate read and passed

    6/3/2026Senate

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

    5/29/2026Senate

  7. Committee recommends passage

    5/28/2026

  8. Scheduled for consideration (05/28/2026)

    5/26/2026

  9. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    5/21/2026

  10. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (05/21/2026)

    5/15/2026

  11. Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary

    3/4/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • S2946 - As Introduced

    3/4/2026

    HTMLPDF

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