reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
RI Gen L § 2-23-5 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-23 - Right to Farm|Section 2-23-5 - Nuisance actions against agricultural operations.

§ 2-23-5. Nuisance actions against agricultural operations.(a) No agricultural operation, as defined in this chapter is found to be a public or private nuisance, due to alleged objectionable:(1) Odor from livestock, manure, fertilizer, or feed, occasioned by generally accepted farming procedures;(2) Noise from livestock or farm equipment used in normal, generally accepted farming procedures;(3) Dust created during plowing or cultivation operations;(4) Use of pesticides, rodenticides, insecticides, herbicides, or fungicides.This provision pertains only to nuisance actions under chapter 1 of title 10.(b) In addition, no city or town ordinance adopted under § 23-19.2-1 shall be enforced against any agricultural operation as defined in this chapter. In addition, no rule or regulation of the department of transportation shall be enforced against any agricultural operation to prevent it from placing a seasonal directional sign or display on the state's right-of-way, on the condition that that sign or display conforms with the local zoning ordinance, and that sign or display is promptly removed by the agricultural operation upon the conclusion of the season for which said sign or display was placed.History of Section.P.L. 1982, ch. 10, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 145, § 1.
RI Gen L § 2-23-6 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-23 - Right to Farm|Section 2-23-6 - Negligence actions - Pesticide use not affected.

§ 2-23-6. Negligence actions — Pesticide use not affected.The provisions of this chapter do not apply to agricultural operations conducted in a malicious or negligent manner, or to agricultural operations conducted in violation of federal or state law controlling the use of pesticides, rodenticides, insecticides, herbicides, or fungicides.History of Section.P.L. 1982, ch. 10, § 1.
RI Gen L § 2-23-7 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-23 - Right to Farm|Section 2-23-7 - Severability.

§ 2-23-7. Severability.If any provision of this chapter, or determination made under this chapter, or application of this chapter to any person, agency, or circumstances is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this chapter and its application to any person, agency, or circumstances shall not be affected by the invalidity. The invalidity of any section or sections of this chapter shall not affect the remainder of this chapter.History of Section.P.L. 1982, ch. 10, § 1.
RI Gen L § 2-23.1-1 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-23.1 - Notification to Farmers|Section 2-23.1-1 - Findings.

§ 2-23.1-1. Findings.The general assembly finds and declares:(a) That the preservation and expansion of agriculture are goals of the state;(b) That among economic activities, agriculture is uniquely dependent on the land;(c) That land use and water usage regulation and land taxation can have significant impacts on the viability of agricultural operations;(d) That the understanding of such impacts is often not widespread or readily included in decision making; and(e) That farmers, who have an appreciation of such impacts, may not know in a timely manner that actions are being considered at the local level that could have a direct and significant impact on agricultural operations.History of Section.P.L. 2005, ch. 314, § 1.
RI Gen L § 2-23.1-2 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-23.1 - Notification to Farmers|Section 2-23.1-2 - Purpose.

§ 2-23.1-2. Purpose.The purpose of this chapter is to foster communications between cities and towns and farmers on local actions that have a direct and significant impact on agricultural operations.History of Section.P.L. 2005, ch. 314, § 1.
RI Gen L § 2-23.1-3 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-23.1 - Notification to Farmers|Section 2-23.1-3 - Duties of the department.

§ 2-23.1-3. Duties of the department.The director of the department of environmental management shall adopt such rules as may be necessary to effectuate the provisions of this chapter. The division of agriculture shall by March 1, 2006, establish a list by city and town of agricultural operations, as defined in § 2-23-4, that have a current level II certificate of exemption pursuant to paragraph (32) of § 44-18-30, and shall provide by April 15, biennially commencing in 2008 to each city and town where such agricultural operations are located, a notification list of such agricultural operations located in whole or in part in the city or town. The list so established shall only include those agricultural operations that meet the criteria herein set forth and that have applied in writing to be on the list. Applications to be on the list shall be made not later than December 31, 2005 and every two (2) years thereafter, and shall include the name of the agricultural operations and location, the name and mailing address of the person to receive notification a copy of the certificate of exemption, and such other information as the department may require to determine whether the criteria set forth in this section have been satisfied.History of Section.P.L. 2005, ch. 314, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 145, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 271, § 1.
RI Gen L § 2-23.1-4 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-23.1 - Notification to Farmers|Section 2-23.1-4 - Notification by towns and cities.

§ 2-23.1-4. Notification by towns and cities.Town and city councils shall provide by ordinance for the notification to farmers on the list established by the division of agriculture as provided for in § 2-23.1-3. Such ordinance shall designate the official or officials responsible for providing the notification and shall provide that not later than seven (7) business days after a matter subject to notification, as provided for in § 2-23.1-5, is formally proposed for study or consideration by a public body in which the matter originates, written notification of the matter shall be mailed to said farmers. The written notification shall, as a minimum, state the matter subject to notification, the public body of the city or town which will be studying or considering the matter, and provide the name of the city or town official, whom one or more of said farmers may contact to request additional information about the matter or to request a work session as provided for in § 2-23.1-6.History of Section.P.L. 2005, ch. 314, § 1.
RI Gen L § 2-23.1-5 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-23.1 - Notification to Farmers|Section 2-23.1-5 - Matters subject to notification.

§ 2-23.1-5. Matters subject to notification.Matters subject to notification shall include the following actions to: (a) change the zoning and/or permitted uses of land used for farming; (b) designate or amend the designation of land used for farming in comprehensive plans or land use ordinances; (c) change the manner taxation of real and personal property used for farming; (d) establish or amend programs for the transfer of development rights affecting farming and hours of operation of machinery and equipment used in farming; (e) regulate water use for farming purposes; and (f) control noise and hours of operation of machinery and equipment used in farming.History of Section.P.L. 2005, ch. 314, § 1.
RI Gen L § 2-23.1-6 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-23.1 - Notification to Farmers|Section 2-23.1-6 - Work sessions.

§ 2-23.1-6. Work sessions.Any farmer who receives a notification as provided for in § 2-23.1-4 may request in writing, within ten (10) business days after such notification, a work session to review the impact of the matter subject to notification on farming. The request shall be made to the official designated on the notification to receive such requests. Within twenty (20) business days after the receipt of such a request, said official shall notify in writing all farmers on the notification list of the request, providing the location, time and date of a work session on the matter, which shall be not sooner than seven (7) business days after the date of the notice of the said work session. The purpose of the work session shall be to review and consider the effects of the matter subject to notification on farming. The work session shall be open to the public and shall be prior to any final action on the matter subject to notification by the public body in the city or town in which said matter originates, and the findings and conclusions of the work session shall be reported to the public body. For any matter subject to notifications not more than one work session shall be deemed to be required by the provisions of this chapter.History of Section.P.L. 2005, ch. 314, § 1.
RI Gen L § 2-23.1-7 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-23.1 - Notification to Farmers|Section 2-23.1-7 - Emergency actions unimpaired.

§ 2-23.1-7. Emergency actions unimpaired.The provisions of §§ 2-23.1-4 and 2-23.1-6 shall not be deemed to impair, limit, or restrict the power of a public body of a city or town to take emergency actions of a temporary duration that are necessary to protect public health, safety, or welfare.History of Section.P.L. 2005, ch. 314, § 1.
RI Gen L § 2-23.1-8 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-23.1 - Notification to Farmers|Section 2-23.1-8 - Validity of actions.

§ 2-23.1-8. Validity of actions.Except in instances of knowing and willful noncompliance with the provisions of this chapter, a failure to comply strictly with any of the requirements of this chapter shall not be deemed to affect or impair the validity of any action otherwise duly taken.History of Section.P.L. 2005, ch. 314, § 1.
RI Gen L § 2-23.1-9 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-23.1 - Notification to Farmers|Section 2-23.1-9 - Severability.

§ 2-23.1-9. Severability.If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section, or part of this chapter shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, that judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder of the chapter but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, section, or part directly involved in the controversy in which that judgment shall have been rendered.History of Section.P.L. 2005, ch. 314, § 1.
RI Gen L § 2-23.2-1 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-23.2 - Preservation of Agricultural Use|Section 2-23.2-1 - Purpose.

§ 2-23.2-1. Purpose.The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the preservation of agriculture by protecting persons engaged in agricultural operations on agricultural lands, the development rights to which have been conveyed against changes in rules, regulations and requirements that would impair the ability to continue agricultural operations that were allowable at the time of the transfer of the development rights.History of Section.P.L. 2006, ch. 68, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 77, § 1.
RI Gen L § 2-23.2-2 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-23.2 - Preservation of Agricultural Use|Section 2-23.2-2 - Definitions.

§ 2-23.2-2. Definitions.As used in this chapter, the following terms and phrases shall have the meaning set forth in this section unless the context indicates a different meaning or intent:(1) "Agricultural land" means land conforming to the definition of agricultural land set forth in § 42-82-2.(2) "Agricultural operation" means any activity defined as an agricultural operation in § 2-23-4.(3) "Development right" means a development right conforming to the definition of a development right as set forth in § 42-82-2.History of Section.P.L. 2006, ch. 68, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 77, § 1.
RI Gen L § 2-23.2-3 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-23.2 - Preservation of Agricultural Use|Section 2-23.2-3 - Right to agricultural use.

§ 2-23.2-3. Right to agricultural use.Unless explicitly curtailed, defined or restricted by an instrument conveying development rights to agricultural land, the right to engage in agricultural operations shall include all activities reasonably associated with and/or necessary to such agricultural operations that were allowable on the agricultural land as of the date of the final execution of the instrument conveying such development rights. A right to engage in such allowable agricultural operations shall be deemed to be an implied condition of the instrument.History of Section.P.L. 2006, ch. 68, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 77, § 1.
RI Gen L § 2-23.2-4 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-23.2 - Preservation of Agricultural Use|Section 2-23.2-4 - Effect of rules and regulations.

§ 2-23.2-4. Effect of rules and regulations.All rules, regulations, ordinances and other requirements of the state and agencies, corporations, boards, commissions and political subdivisions of the state that are applicable to the conduct of agricultural operations allowable as of the date of the final execution of the instrument conveying development rights shall continue to apply to agricultural operations on such agricultural land. Unless specifically provided for by law or unless necessary to protect public health, safety or the environment from imminent hazard, no rule, regulation or requirement adopted by any agency, corporation, board, commission and/or political subdivision of the state after the date of such final execution of an instrument conveying development rights shall be deemed to diminish, restrict or impair such allowable agricultural activities, except as may be necessary not to impair the actual agricultural operations of another person engaged in agricultural operations, including those who have not conveyed development rights.The limitations herein established shall not be deemed to diminish or impair the adoption, amendment, implementation, or enforcement of rules, regulations, ordinances, or other requirements that do not directly affect actual agricultural operations that are undertaken for the purposes of producing agricultural products.History of Section.P.L. 2006, ch. 68, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 77, § 1.
RI Gen L § 2-23.2-5 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-23.2 - Preservation of Agricultural Use|Section 2-23.2-5 - Construction.

§ 2-23.2-5. Construction.The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all instruments conveying development rights in effect as of or after the effective date of this chapter [June 14, 2006].History of Section.P.L. 2006, ch. 68, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 77, § 1.
RI Gen L § 2-23.2-6 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-23.2 - Preservation of Agricultural Use|Section 2-23.2-6 - Severability.

§ 2-23.2-6. Severability.If any provision of this chapter, or determination made under this chapter, or application of this chapter to any person, agency or circumstances is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this chapter and its application to any person, agency or circumstances shall not be affected by the invalidity. The invalidity of any section or sections of this chapter shall not affect the remainder of this chapter.History of Section.P.L. 2006, ch. 68, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 77, § 1.
RI Gen L § 2-25-1 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-25 - The Rhode Island Local Agriculture and Seafood Act|Section 2-25-1 - Short title.

§ 2-25-1. Short title.This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "The Rhode Island Local Agriculture and Seafood Act."History of Section.P.L. 2012, ch. 37, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 38, § 1.
RI Gen L § 2-25-2 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-25 - The Rhode Island Local Agriculture and Seafood Act|Section 2-25-2 - Legislative findings.

§ 2-25-2. Legislative findings.The general assembly hereby finds and declares:(1) A viable agricultural and seafood sector in Rhode Island represents part of a secure regional food supply, which in turn lends itself to energy and economic efficiencies;(2) The federal government and regional entities have established and continue to establish programs and processes to support local agricultural production and increased consumption of locally produced food, and Rhode Island functions in whole or in part in the context of federal and regional programs;(3) The general public is increasingly interested in locally produced food;(4) The benefits of local food systems to local communities include open land, jobs, nutritious and safe foods, and youth education opportunities;(5) Farms and commercial fishing are an integral part of Rhode Island's overall economy;(6) Encouraging the continued growth of Rhode Island's agricultural and seafood sectors is integral to reducing food insecurity in Rhode Island;(7) Relationship-based food systems such as farm-to-school programs, community supported agriculture (CSA) programs, farmers' markets, and pick-your-own operations are increasingly popular and offer areas of opportunity for new farmers; and(8) The state of Rhode Island has historically established programs to provide for and regulate the agriculture and commercial fishing sectors.History of Section.P.L. 2012, ch. 37, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 38, § 1.
RI Gen L § 2-25-3 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-25 - The Rhode Island Local Agriculture and Seafood Act|Section 2-25-3 - Legislative intent.

§ 2-25-3. Legislative intent.The general assembly intends:(1) To support and develop more robust and self-sustaining agricultural and seafood sectors that also promotes emerging agricultural industries;(2) That policies and programs of the state will support and promote the Rhode Island agriculture and seafood industries as a vital component of the state's economy and essential steward of our land and coastal waters;(3) That current policies and programs pertaining to the viability of Rhode Island's agricultural and seafood industries be reviewed and confirmed or changed in order to assure the long-term economic prosperity of the industries; and(4) That Rhode Island will promote processing and consumption of agricultural and seafood products from within Rhode Island.History of Section.P.L. 2012, ch. 37, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 38, § 1.
RI Gen L § 2-25-4 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-25 - The Rhode Island Local Agriculture and Seafood Act|Section 2-25-4 - Definitions.

§ 2-25-4. Definitions.When used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:(1) "Director" means the director of the department of environmental management or his or her duly authorized agent or agents.(2) "Fund" means the local agriculture and seafood small grants and technical assistance fund.(3) "Program" means the local agriculture and seafood small grants and technical assistance program.History of Section.P.L. 2012, ch. 37, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 38, § 1.
RI Gen L § 2-25-5 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-25 - The Rhode Island Local Agriculture and Seafood Act|Section 2-25-5 - Small grants and technical assistance program established.

§ 2-25-5. Small grants and technical assistance program established.The department of environmental management shall establish the local agriculture and seafood small grants and technical assistance program. Through the program the department shall: (1) Assist in the marketing of Rhode Island grown agricultural products and local seafood for the purpose of sale and promotion within the state of Rhode Island or United States; (2) Enhance the economic competitiveness of Rhode Island grown agricultural products and local seafood; (3) Provide financial and technical assistance support to organizations and farmers for activities and programs which enhance the economic viability of local agriculture, and support the development of a locally based, safe and sustainable food system; (4) Provide individual farm grants to small or beginning Rhode Island farmers that support the entry or sustainability within the respective industry; (5) Work with the state department of health to further develop and support food safety related programs and standards pertaining to local agriculture and seafood; and (6) Perform other activities necessary to facilitate the success and viability of the state's agricultural and seafood sectors.History of Section.P.L. 2012, ch. 37, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 38, § 1.
RI Gen L § 2-25-6 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-25 - The Rhode Island Local Agriculture and Seafood Act|Section 2-25-6 - Local agriculture and seafood small grants and technical assistance fund established and solicitation of funding.

§ 2-25-6. Local agriculture and seafood small grants and technical assistance fund established and solicitation of funding.(a) For the purpose of paying the costs to the department of environmental management of administering the local agriculture and seafood small grants and technical assistance program and for the purpose of carrying out the purposes of the program as stated in subdivisions 2-25-5(3) and 2-25-5(4) a restricted receipt account is hereby created and known as the "local agriculture and seafood small grants and technical assistance fund."(b) The program shall be empowered to apply for and receive from any federal, state, or local agency, private foundation, or individual, any grants, appropriations, or gifts in order to carry out the purposes of the program established in § 2-25-5.History of Section.P.L. 2012, ch. 37, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 38, § 1.
RI Gen L § 2-25-7 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-25 - The Rhode Island Local Agriculture and Seafood Act|Section 2-25-7 - Use of funds.

§ 2-25-7. Use of funds.(a) A non-profit entity or small or beginning farmer may apply to the department of environmental management for a grant to be used to fulfill the purposes of the program as stated in subdivisions 2-25-5(3) and 2-25-5(4). Any grant disbursed under this program shall not exceed twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) per year. Applications for grants authorized under this section shall:(1) Provide a brief summary of the nonprofit entity or small or beginning farmer's mission, goals, history, programs, and major accomplishments, success stories and qualifications;(2) Briefly describe the proposed project or program, the capacity to carry out the program and who will benefit from the program;(3) Describe the expected outcomes and the indicators of those outcomes;(4) Outline the timeline to be used in the implementation of the program or project; and(5) Provide a program or project budget.(b) The funds shall also be used by the department to provide administrative and technical support of the program, and to leverage program funds with other potential federal, state or nonprofit funding sources, and shall serve to develop, implement and enforce when appropriate food safety related standards and programs related to local agriculture and seafood in coordination with the Rhode Island department of health and appropriate federal agencies.History of Section.P.L. 2012, ch. 37, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 38, § 1.