reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-59 - Continuing Care Provider Registration and Disclosure › Section 23-59-16. - Cease and desist orders — Injunctions.

§ 23-59-16. Cease and desist orders — Injunctions.
Whenever it appears to the department that any person has engaged in, or is about to engage in, any act or practice constituting a violation of this chapter or any rule, regulation, or order issued under this chapter, the department may:
(1)
Issue an order directed at any such person requiring him or her to cease and desist from engaging in the act or practice; and/or
(2)
By application to a court of competent jurisdiction seek a permanent or temporary injunction or a restraining order to enforce compliance with this chapter or any rule, regulation, or order issued under this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 101, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-59 - Continuing Care Provider Registration and Disclosure › Section 23-59-17. - Penalties.

§ 23-59-17. Penalties.
Any person who willfully and knowingly violates any provision of this chapter, or any rule, regulation, or order issued under this chapter, shall be subject to payment of a fine in the sum of one thousand dollars ($1,000).
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 101, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-60 - Battery Deposit and Control › Section 23-60-1. - Legislative findings and policy.

§ 23-60-1. Legislative findings and policy.
The general assembly finds and declares that vehicle batteries are potentially harmful if improperly disposed of, and that it is necessary to adopt a special plan to control disposal and promote recycling of such batteries. This chapter sets forth a comprehensive plan for disposal of vehicle batteries.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 325, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 254, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 179, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-60 - Battery Deposit and Control › Section 23-60-2. - Definitions.

§ 23-60-2. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1)
“Consumer” means an individual who purchases a vehicle battery for use, consumption, or any use other than resale;
(2)
“Dealer” means every person in this state who engages in the sale of vehicle batteries;
(3)
“Director” means the director of the department of environmental management;
(4)
“Distributor” means every person who engages in the sale of vehicle batteries to a dealer in this state including any manufacturer who engages in such sales;
(5)
“Manufacturer” means a person who manufactures vehicle batteries;
(6)
“Person” means any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, or organization of any kind whatsoever;
(7)
“Vehicle” means every vehicle which is self-propelled and designed for carrying persons or property or which is used for the transportation of persons, including, but not limited to, buses, automobiles, truck, boats, motorcycles, farm, lawn and garden equipment, and snowmobiles;
(8)
“Vehicle battery” means batteries used in any vehicle, or of a capacity of six (6) volts or more, and of one hundred fifty (150) pounds or less in weight, and like batteries in stationary uses.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 325, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 254, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 179, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 415, § 26.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-60 - Battery Deposit and Control › Section 23-60-3. - Deposit on vehicle batteries.

§ 23-60-3. Deposit on vehicle batteries.
(a)
A dealer shall not refuse to accept from any consumer any used vehicle battery, in reasonably clean and substantially unbroken condition as an exchange with the purchase of a new vehicle battery.
(b)
A dealer may add a core charge to the sale of a battery. The core charge shall be waived when a used vehicle battery is delivered to the dealer at the time of purchase. The deposit shall be returned to the consumer when a used vehicle battery is delivered to the dealer by the consumer within seven (7) days of date of purchase of the new battery.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 325, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 254, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 82; P.L. 2000, ch. 179, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-60 - Battery Deposit and Control › Section 23-60-4. - Repealed.

§ 23-60-4. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 325, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1988, ch. 254, § 2, effective January 1, 1989, and again by P.L. 1989, ch. 542, § 65.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-60 - Battery Deposit and Control › Section 23-60-5. - Distributor acceptance — Reimbursement by distributor.

§ 23-60-5. Distributor acceptance — Reimbursement by distributor.
(a)
A distributor or manufacturer shall not refuse to accept from any dealer any used vehicle battery in reasonably clean and substantially unbroken condition of the kind, size, and brand sold by the distributor or manufacturer.
(b)
Whenever a dealer or group of dealers receives a shipment or consignment of, or in any manner acquires, vehicle batteries outside Rhode Island for sale to consumers in Rhode Island, the dealer or dealers shall comply with this chapter as if they were distributors, as well as dealers.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 325, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 254, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 179, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 415, § 26.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-60 - Battery Deposit and Control › Section 23-60-6. - Disposal of used vehicle batteries.

§ 23-60-6. Disposal of used vehicle batteries.
(a)
No person shall dispose of any vehicle battery within the state except by delivery of the same to a dealer, distributor, or manufacturer or the Rhode Island resource recovery corporation, or to a privately operated recycling facility within the state licensed by the director for that purpose or by delivery for transportation to an out-of-state recycling facility.
(b)
When delivered to the resource recovery corporation for disposal, the corporation shall be paid a separate disposal fee at the time of delivery. This fee shall be set from time to time by the corporation to fully cover the cost of storage and transportation out of Rhode Island, or, if it is not feasible to transport out of Rhode Island, then the cost of recycling the materials of the battery and disposing of any residue.
(c)
The department of environmental management shall provide a notice concerning the disposal of batteries to all retailers. The notice shall be 8.5 x 11 inches and all notices shall be of the same color, typeface, and type size. The notice shall include all of the following information: (1) it is illegal to dispose of a vehicle battery in a landfill or an incinerator; (2) vehicle batteries should be recycled; and (3) retailers must accept used vehicle batteries in trade. Retailers shall post this notice in a place where it can be readily observed by consumers.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 325, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 254, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 179, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-60 - Battery Deposit and Control › Section 23-60-7. - Repealed.

§ 23-60-7. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 325, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 254, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2000, ch. 179, § 2, effective July 13, 2000.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-60 - Battery Deposit and Control › Section 23-60-8. - Penalty.

§ 23-60-8. Penalty.
Any person who violates a provision of this chapter shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000). Each day that the violation continues or exists shall constitute a separate offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 325, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 254, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-60 - Battery Deposit and Control › Section 23-60-9. - Rules and regulations.

§ 23-60-9. Rules and regulations.
The director may promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 325, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 254, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-60 - Battery Deposit and Control › Section 23-60-10. - Severability.

§ 23-60-10. Severability.
If any clause, sentence, paragraph, or part of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall, for any reason, be adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, that judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder of this chapter or its application to other persons or circumstances.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 325, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 254, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-60.1 - Dry Cell Battery Control › Section 23-60.1-1. - Legislative findings and policy.

§ 23-60.1-1. Legislative findings and policy.
The general assembly finds and declares that certain types of dry cell batteries contain toxic heavy metals that are harmful in municipal solid waste. Batteries containing cadmium, mercury, and lead are especially harmful, and some of these types are increasing in use.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 359, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 179, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-60.1 - Dry Cell Battery Control › Section 23-60.1-2. - Definitions.

§ 23-60.1-2. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1)
“Alkaline-manganese battery” means any dry cell battery containing manganese dioxide and zinc electrodes and an alkaline electrolyte.
(2)
“Dry cell battery” means all batteries in which the electrolyte is absorbed, gelled, or solidified such that the electrolyte is not a free-standing body of liquid. Dry cell batteries do not include vehicle batteries as defined by § 23-60-2.
(3)
“Lead-acid dry cell battery” means a battery containing a lead-acid system, generally used in rechargeable consumer products, and weighing less than twenty-five (25) pounds.
(4)
“Mercuric-oxide battery” means a dry cell battery containing zinc and mercuric oxide electrodes and used both in household and non-household, often medical, applications.
(5)
“Nickel-cadmium battery” means any dry cell battery containing cadmium and nickel electrodes and an alkaline electrolyte.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 359, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 179, § 3; P.L. 2012, ch. 415, § 27.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-60.1 - Dry Cell Battery Control › Section 23-60.1-3. - Reduction of mercury content in alkaline batteries.

§ 23-60.1-3. Reduction of mercury content in alkaline batteries.
No alkaline-manganese battery manufactured on or after January 1, 1992, shall be distributed, offered for sale, or sold, if it contains more than 0.025 percent (.025%) mercury by weight; provided, however, that for any alkaline-manganese battery resembling a button or coin in size and shape, the limitation shall be twenty-five (25) milligrams of mercury.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 359, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-60.1 - Dry Cell Battery Control › Section 23-60.1-4. - Prohibition on sale of mercuric-oxide batteries.

§ 23-60.1-4. Prohibition on sale of mercuric-oxide batteries.
No mercuric-oxide button cell battery may be distributed, sold or offered for sale in this state after January 1, 1993.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 359, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-60.1 - Dry Cell Battery Control › Section 23-60.1-5. - Prohibition on the disposal of nickel-cadmium, mercuric-oxide, and lead-acid batteries.

§ 23-60.1-5. Prohibition on the disposal of nickel-cadmium, mercuric-oxide, and lead-acid batteries.
Effective January 1, 1994, no person shall knowingly place in municipal or commercial solid waste a nickel-cadmium, mercuric-oxide, or lead-acid dry cell battery or a rechargeable consumer product containing a nickel-cadmium or lead-acid dry cell battery.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 359, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-60.1 - Dry Cell Battery Control › Section 23-60.1-6 - — 23-60.1-13. Repealed.

§ 23-60.1-6 — 23-60.1-13. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 359, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 460, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 83; Repealed by P.L. 2000, ch. 179, § 4, effective July 13, 2000.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-61 - Radon Control › Section 23-61-1. - Legislative intent.

§ 23-61-1. Legislative intent.
The general assembly recognizes that radon is an odorless, colorless, tasteless, and radioactive gas that occurs naturally in soil and groundwater; that radon enters homes and buildings through openings in foundations, decays to form radon progeny, and unless vented to the atmosphere, accumulates in buildings and becomes hazardous to human health, and prolonged exposure to elevated concentrations of radon decay products has been associated with increases in the risk of lung cancer. The general assembly recognizes that there is a need to protect human health and prevent exposure to elevated concentrations of radon.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 216, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-61 - Radon Control › Section 23-61-2. - Declaration of purpose.

§ 23-61-2. Declaration of purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to protect the public health and public interest by establishing a comprehensive program to reduce exposure to radon/radon progeny levels in public and high priority buildings and to ensure that all radon/radon progeny mitigation activity in these buildings is conducted only by appropriately trained and licensed/certified personnel. The goal of this chapter is to reduce the incidence of lung cancer due to radon/radon progeny exposure in Rhode Island to the greatest extent feasible.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 216, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-61 - Radon Control › Section 23-61-5. - Licensing and certification.

§ 23-61-5. Licensing and certification.
(a)
All persons providing or offering to provide the following services must be certified or licensed in accordance with regulations adopted pursuant to the authority conferred by this chapter:
(1)
Screening sampling/testing of air for radon/radon progeny;
(2)
Diagnostic sampling/testing of air for radon/radon progeny;
(3)
Mitigation planning services for radon/radon progeny;
(4)
Training courses offered for the purpose of meeting any of the licensing and/or certification requirements mandated by this chapter.
(b)
The director may assess fees for licenses and certifications issued in accordance with regulations promulgated pursuant to the authority conferred by this section, provided that those fees are assessed only after procedures in accordance with chapter 35 of title 42 have been followed. The fees collected shall be deposited in a restricted receipt account as provided for under § 23-61-8 of this chapter.
(c)
Any person, firm, corporation, or other entity who shall perform or otherwise engage in:
(1)
Screening sampling/testing of air for radon/radon progeny;
(2)
Diagnostic sampling testing of air for radon/radon progeny;
(3)
Mitigation planning services for radon/radon progeny; or
(4)
Training courses offered for the purpose of meeting any of the licensing and/or certification requirements mandated by this chapter:
(i)
Without a license shall be fined five hundred dollars ($500) for each offense and shall be ordered to forfeit all fees derived from such activity for the first offense and shall be fined one thousand dollars ($1,000) for the second and each subsequent offense and shall be ordered to forfeit all fees derived from such activity on the second and subsequent offenses. The attorney general is authorized to pursue forfeiture actions against all violators and also to apply for and obtain injunctive relief against continuing violations of this section.
(d)
All fines and all fees that have been forfeited under this section shall be placed in the state general fund.
(e)
The requirements of this section shall not apply to: (a) those individuals testing or mitigating a private residence owned or leased by the individual who is performing the testing or mitigation; or (b) any individual testing their own living area.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 216, § 2; P.L. 2003, ch. 59, § 4; P.L. 2003, ch. 72, § 4; P.L. 2007, ch. 142, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 267, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-61 - Radon Control › Section 23-61-6. - Notification to the department.

§ 23-61-6. Notification to the department.
The owner of any public and high priority building who intends to take measures, including but not limited to renovation of the building for the purpose of reducing radon/radon progeny levels and/or installation of recognized radon mitigation systems, must submit formal notification to the department prior to commencing the radon/radon progeny mitigation activities.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 216, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-61 - Radon Control › Section 23-61-7. - Radon inspections.

§ 23-61-7. Radon inspections.
(a)
The director, or his or her designee, is authorized to inspect any public or high priority building, during business hours, or by appointment at another time agreed to by the inspector and the owner, occupant or other person in charge of the building. The owner, occupant or other person in charge of the building shall, upon presentation of proper identification by the state inspector, for the limited purpose of inspection for elevated radon/radon progeny levels, grant the inspector entry and free access to every part of the building where elevated radon/radon progeny levels may pose a hazard. If any owner, occupant or other person in charge of the building fails or refuses to permit such access and entry to the building under his or her control, or any part thereof, the state inspector may, upon showing that probable cause exists for the inspection and for the issuance of a court order directing compliance with the inspection requirements of this section, petition and obtain an order from a court of competent jurisdiction. Any person refusing to comply with an order issued pursuant to this section shall be subject to such penalties as may be authorized by law for violation of a court order.
(b)
The director shall establish regulations requiring the evaluation of all public and high priority buildings for elevated levels of radon/radon progeny and/or adequacy of any radon/radon progeny mitigation activities. The regulations shall require that:
(1)
Evaluations be performed by a person licensed or certified in accordance with this chapter;
(2)
Results of the evaluations be submitted promptly to the director;
(3)
The director shall provide written notice to the building owner when an evaluation indicates that indoor radon or radon progeny levels exceed a standard or guideline established by the director and/or any radon/radon progeny mitigation activities appear to be inadequate. The notice shall include the results of the evaluation and shall require that appropriate mitigation measures be taken to reduce radon/radon progeny levels to meet the standard or guideline within a time frame established by the director.
(4)
Once written notice has been provided to the building owner, the director or his or her designee shall inspect the building at any reasonable time for the purpose of reviewing the implementation of a radon/radon progeny mitigation activity subject to § 23-61-5.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 216, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-61 - Radon Control › Section 23-61-8. - Establishment of fees.

§ 23-61-8. Establishment of fees.
A one-time surcharge shall be assessed on new residential construction, excluding renovations, at the rate of two cents ($0.02) per square foot under roof floor space. This surcharge shall be collected by the local building official at the time an application for a building permit is submitted. The local building official shall collect the surcharge and remit the funds collected to the department on a quarterly calendar basis beginning no later than October 31, 2007 for the preceding quarter, and continuing each third month thereafter. The local building official shall also submit, on the same calendar basis, documentation of all building permits for new residential construction issued during the previous calendar quarter. The unit of municipal government issuing the new residential construction building permits may retain five percent (5%) of the surcharge collected to cover costs associated with the collection and remittance of the surcharge. All funds remitted to the department pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the general fund as general revenues.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 216, § 2; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 84; P.L. 2007, ch. 73, art. 39, § 35.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-61 - Radon Control › Section 23-61-9. - Use of the radon control appropriations.

§ 23-61-9. Use of the radon control appropriations.
Funds appropriated shall be used to carry out the provisions of this chapter, including but not limited to, personnel costs, operating costs, and capital expenditures associated with the regulatory and public education mandates placed on the department by this chapter, as well as the development and implementation of the building codes for radon resistant construction. The department is further authorized to enter into contracts for the purpose of: developing building codes for radon resistant buildings; developing construction techniques for mitigation of radon in existing buildings; conducting training relevant to all changes in building codes adopted pursuant to authority conferred by this chapter; and to otherwise carry out the mandates of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 216, § 2; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 84.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-61 - Radon Control › Section 23-61-10. - Applicability of §§ 45-13-7 — 45-13-10.

§ 23-61-10. Applicability of §§ 45-13-7 — 45-13-10.
The provisions of §§ 45-13-7 — 45-13-10 shall not apply to this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 216, § 2; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 47.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-61 - Radon Control › Section 23-61-11. - Interpretation and severability.

§ 23-61-11. Interpretation and severability.
The provisions of this chapter shall be liberally construed and shall be held to be in addition to, and not in substitution for or a limitation of, the provisions of any other law. If any provision or part thereof of this chapter or application thereof to any person or circumstance is held unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, the remainder of the chapter and the application of such provisions to any other persons or circumstances other than those to which it is held invalid shall not be affected thereby.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 216, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-61 - Radon Control › Section 23-61-12. - Funding and implementation.

§ 23-61-12. Funding and implementation.
Implementation and enforcement of this chapter is contingent upon the availability of resources to fund necessary administrative, personnel, and other related costs.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 216, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-62 - Truth in Food Disclosure Law › Section 23-62-1. - Disclosure required.

§ 23-62-1. Disclosure required.
All retail preparers of food, including but not limited to bakeries and restaurants, shall make available upon request a list of all preservatives and artificial ingredients added to food prepared on the premises. Excluded from these provisions are preservatives and artificial ingredients which are included in commercially available products such as dressings and other products used in the preparation of food.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 541, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-62 - Truth in Food Disclosure Law › Section 23-62-2. - Penalties.

§ 23-62-2. Penalties.
Any individual(s), corporation, partnership, or other entity who violates the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and for each violation shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000).
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 541, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 78, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-63 - Vehicle Tire Storage and Recycling › Section 23-63-1. - Legislative findings and policy.

§ 23-63-1. Legislative findings and policy.
The general assembly finds and declares that accumulation of stored used vehicle tires and the disposal of the tires by land filling present an unacceptable risk to the public health and safety, and that it is necessary to control disposal and promote safe recycling or recovery of the tires. The general assembly also recognizes: (1) that the stockpiling of whole vehicle tires poses unacceptable risks to the environment and public health, (2) that the haphazard dumping of vehicle tires in Rhode Island is both unsightly and environmentally unsound, (3) that used vehicle tires represent a form of recyclable waste which should, for the purpose of reuse, be fully segregated from solid waste, and (4) that the state should take every reasonable step to ensure that recycling is pursued as the preferred method of handling waste tires.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 551, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 85, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-63 - Vehicle Tire Storage and Recycling › Section 23-63-1.1. - Definitions.

§ 23-63-1.1. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1)
“Consumer” means an individual who purchases a vehicle tire for use, consumption, or any use other than resale;
(2)
“Corporation” means the Rhode Island economic development corporation created and established pursuant to chapter 64 of title 42.
(3)
“Retailer” means every person in this state who is engaged in the sale of vehicle tires to consumers;
(4)
“Rhode Island resource recovery corporation” means the Rhode Island resource recovery corporation created and established pursuant to chapter 19 of title 23.
(5)
“Vehicle tire” means all tires used on motorized vehicles;
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 85, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-63 - Vehicle Tire Storage and Recycling › Section 23-63-2. - Disposal of used vehicle rubber tires — Burning prohibited — Storage restricted.

§ 23-63-2. Disposal of used vehicle rubber tires — Burning prohibited — Storage restricted.
(a)(1)
No person shall dispose of any vehicle tire within the state except by delivery of the tire to a facility operated by the Rhode Island resource recovery corporation designated for that purpose, or to a privately operated tire storage or tire recycling or recovery facility licensed by the director of environmental management for that purpose or by delivery for transportation to an out-of-state recycling facility. Prior to the delivery of any vehicle tire for export to any tire-burning facility outside the state, and within thirty (30) miles of the Scituate Reservoir watershed, the department of environmental management shall consult with the appropriate state agency regulating such tire-burning facility and shall receive assurances in writing from the agency that the facility meets all applicable state and federal pollution control standards.
(2)
The burning of used tires within the state is prohibited.
(b)
No person not licensed under the provisions of § 23-63-4 shall store more than four hundred (400) used vehicle tires at any location within the state. Any person not in compliance with this section on July 11, 1989 shall have one year from that date to effectuate compliance pursuant to the provisions of subsection (a).
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 551, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 85, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 404, § 32.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-63 - Vehicle Tire Storage and Recycling › Section 23-63-3. - Environmental impact statement — Necessity — Approval of director.

§ 23-63-3. Environmental impact statement — Necessity — Approval of director.
No export of tires for burning shall be permitted to a facility which has not submitted to the satisfaction of the director, in accordance with reasonable rules and regulations, an environmental impact statement conforming to the United States environmental protection agency standards. Upon the filing of a satisfactory environmental impact statement, the director shall conduct a public hearing seeking public comment prior to granting final approval of the statement and approval of the export of the tires. The environmental impact statement shall be required regardless of whether it is required at the facility site by the United States environmental protection agency regulations.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 551, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-63 - Vehicle Tire Storage and Recycling › Section 23-63-4. - Licensing of tire recyclers.

§ 23-63-4. Licensing of tire recyclers.
The director shall license any person to engage in the vehicle tire recycling or recovery business if the director finds that the person has the proper equipment and facilities to properly recycle or recover the materials of vehicle tires. The license shall be annually renewable on January 1 of each year upon application by the licensee. The director may revoke the license at any time or refuse to renew the license upon a finding that the licensee has not operated the business to safely and properly recycle and recover vehicle tires in a manner causing the lease practicable pollution of the environment. The initial license fee shall be fifty dollars ($50.00) and the fee for annual renewal shall be twenty-five dollars ($25.00). Other than as set forth in this chapter, the license shall be subject to the provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act, chapter 35 of title 42.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 551, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-63 - Vehicle Tire Storage and Recycling › Section 23-63-4.1. - Tire site remediation account.

§ 23-63-4.1. Tire site remediation account.
There is hereby created a separate account to be held by the corporation to be known as the tire site remediation account. All fees, revenues, assessments, fines, forfeitures, and other funds collected or received pursuant to this chapter shall be deposited into the tire site remediation account and used for the purposes specified in § 23-63-4.2. The department of environmental management shall be authorized to spend the funds specified in this section pursuant to § 23-63-4.2.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 85, § 2; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 48.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-63 - Vehicle Tire Storage and Recycling › Section 23-63-4.2. - Allocation of funds.

§ 23-63-4.2. Allocation of funds.
The funds deposited into the tire site remediation account shall be used for the following activities:
(1)
No less than ninety percent (90%) of all funds shall be used for the cleanup, recycling and disposal of tires in existing tire piles and for the overall investigation of, and design of remedial actions for properties of economic concern pursuant to chapter 19.14 of title 23;
(2)
No more than ten percent (10%) of all funds shall be used to assist cities and towns with the collection and proper disposal of waste tires in their respective communities;
(3)
All amounts in the tire site remediation account, fees, and any other revenues, assessments, fines, forfeitures, and other funds collected or received pursuant to this chapter for deposit into the tire site remediation account shall be deemed to be trust funds to be held and applied solely as provided in this chapter and chapter 19.14 of title 23.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 85, § 2; P.L. 1995, ch. 187, § 2; P.L. 1997, ch. 30, art. 37, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 48.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-63 - Vehicle Tire Storage and Recycling › Section 23-63-4.3. - Repealed.

§ 23-63-4.3. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 85, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 1997, ch. 30, art. 37, § 2, effective July 1, 1997.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-63 - Vehicle Tire Storage and Recycling › Section 23-63-4.4. - Penalties on delinquent payments.

§ 23-63-4.4. Penalties on delinquent payments.
Any retailer who fails to pay any fees to the tax administrator, except amounts of determinations made by the tax administrator, under § 23-63-4.6 within the time required shall pay a penalty of ten percent (10%) of the amount of the fees.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 85, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-63 - Vehicle Tire Storage and Recycling › Section 23-63-4.5. - Records required.

§ 23-63-4.5. Records required.
Every retailer shall keep such books, including records, receipts, and other pertinent papers, in such form as the tax administrator may require. The records shall be open at all times to the inspection of the tax administrator and his or her agents and, upon summons issued by the tax administrator, shall be produced at such time and place as he or she may designate for inspection by the tax administrator or his or her agents.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 85, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-63 - Vehicle Tire Storage and Recycling › Section 23-63-4.6. - Deficiency determination — Determination without return.

§ 23-63-4.6. Deficiency determination — Determination without return.
If any retailer fails to file a return or to keep records described in § 23-63-4.5, or if the tax administrator is not satisfied with the amount of fees paid to him or her, the tax administrator may compute and determine the amount required by this chapter to be paid to him or her upon the basis of the facts contained in the returns which have been filed or upon the basis of any information in the tax administrator’s possession or that may come into his or her possession.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 85, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-63 - Vehicle Tire Storage and Recycling › Section 23-63-4.7. - Notice of determination.

§ 23-63-4.7. Notice of determination.
The tax administrator shall give written notice of his or her determination to the retailer. Except in the case of fraud or failure to make a return, or noncompliance with § 23-63-4.5, every notice of determination shall be mailed within three (3) years of the date the fees first became due. The amount of this determination shall bear interest at the rate set forth in § 44-1-7 from the date when fees should have been paid to the tax administrator until the date of payment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 85, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-63 - Vehicle Tire Storage and Recycling › Section 23-63-4.8. - Pecuniary penalties for deficiencies.

§ 23-63-4.8. Pecuniary penalties for deficiencies.
If any part of the deficiency for which a deficiency determination is made is due to negligence or intentional disregard of the provisions of this chapter, a penalty of ten percent (10%) of the amount of the determination shall be added thereto. If any part of the deficiency for which a deficiency determination is made is due to fraud or an intent to evade the provisions of this chapter, a penalty of fifty percent (50%) of the amount of the determination shall be added thereto.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 85, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-63 - Vehicle Tire Storage and Recycling › Section 23-63-4.9. - Tire deposit system.

§ 23-63-4.9. Tire deposit system.
(a)
Every retailer shall require of each consumer purchasing tires a five dollar ($5.00) deposit on each vehicle tire purchased. The tire deposit shall be refunded in full within fourteen (14) days from the date the consumer delivers to the retailer a used vehicle tire. A retailer shall not refuse to accept from any consumer any used vehicle tire which is reasonably clean and substantially intact. No retailer shall be required to refund a tire deposit to any consumer who has not purchased a tire from a retailer, nor shall any retailer be required to pay out more tire deposit refunds than the number of tires the consumer purchased from the retailer. Any tire deposits held by a retailer and not reclaimed by the consumer after the fourteen (14) day period shall revert to, and become the property of, the retailer.
(b)
All retailers accepting used vehicle tires shall be responsible for disposal of the tires pursuant to § 23-63-2.
(c)
A copy of this section of the general laws, or a summary of this section of the general laws as approved by the director of the department of environmental management, shall be posted by all retail sellers in a place which is plainly visible to customers.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 85, § 2; P.L. 1993, ch. 225, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-63 - Vehicle Tire Storage and Recycling › Section 23-63-5. - Penalty.

§ 23-63-5. Penalty.
Any person who violates §§ 23-6-2, 23-63-3 or 23-63-4 and 23-63-4.9(b) of this chapter shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) per occurrence. Fines collected pursuant to this section shall be remitted to the corporation for deposit in the tire site remediation account. Each day that the violation continues or exists shall constitute a separate occurrence. The provisions of this chapter may also be enforced by an action for injunctive or other relief in the superior court for Providence county to be brought by either the department of environmental management or the attorney general.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 551, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 85, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 48.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-63 - Vehicle Tire Storage and Recycling › Section 23-63-7. - Severability.

§ 23-63-7. Severability.
If any clause, sentence, paragraph, or part of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall, for any reason, be adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder of this chapter or its application to other persons or circumstances.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 551, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-64 - Minority Health Promotion Act › Section 23-64-1. - Short title.

§ 23-64-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known as “The Minority Populations Health Promotion Act”.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 102, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-64 - Minority Health Promotion Act › Section 23-64-2. - Purpose and findings.

§ 23-64-2. Purpose and findings.
The general assembly has found and hereby declares that:
(1)
Recent health data indicate that minority groups in Rhode Island, as in the United States, face excess rates of preventable disease compared to other nonminority populations.
(2)
The mortality rate for minorities from such preventable diseases as heart disease, cancer and stroke is up to fifty (50) percent higher than non-minorities. Minorities also experience excess deaths from injury and excess morbidity due to low birth weight. All these health problems are amenable to reduction through lifestyle change.
(3)
Minority populations in Rhode Island frequently encounter barriers to information and services which promote healthy lifestyles and prevent unnecessary disease.
(4)
It is the intent of this chapter to establish a minority population health promotion program to provide health information, education and risk reduction activities to reduce the risk of premature death from preventable disease in minority populations.
(5)
The minority health promotion program shall be funded by a tax imposed on smokeless tobacco, cigars and pipe tobacco — substances which have been determined by the United States surgeon general to be associated with preventable death and disease, particularly cancer of the mouth, oral cavity, and pharynx.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 102, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-64.1 - Commission for Health Advocacy and Equity › Section 23-64.1-1. - Short title.

§ 23-64.1-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Commission for Health Advocacy and Equity Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 155, § 2; P.L. 2011, ch. 172, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-64.1 - Commission for Health Advocacy and Equity › Section 23-64.1-2. - Definitions.

§ 23-64.1-2. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following words and phrases have the following meanings:
(1)
“Commission” means the commission of health advocacy and equity; formerly entitled the minority health advisory committee.
(2)
“Community-based health agency” means an organization that provides health services or health education, including a hospital, a community health center, a community mental health or substance abuse center, and other health-related organizations.
(3)
“Community-based health and wellness organization” means any organization, whether for-profit or not-for-profit that provides services that support the health and well-being of Rhode Islanders.
(4)
“Community health worker” means any individual who assists and coordinates services between providers of health services, community services, social agencies for vulnerable populations. Community health workers provide support and assist in navigating the health and social services system.
(5)
“Disparities” means the preventable inequalities in health status, including the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and burden of diseases and other adverse health conditions that exist among population groups in Rhode Island. Disparities are impacted by social determinants of health which include, but are not limited to, access to services, quality of services, health behaviors, and environmental exposures.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 155, § 2; P.L. 2011, ch. 172, § 2; P.L. 2012, ch. 415, § 28.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-64.1 - Commission for Health Advocacy and Equity › Section 23-64.1-3. - Renaming and establishment.

§ 23-64.1-3. Renaming and establishment.
(a)
The minority health advisory committee established by the Rhode Island department of health pursuant to the goals of chapter 23-64 is hereby renamed the commission for health advocacy and equity. The director of the department of health shall appoint twenty (20) individuals who shall be individuals with working and practical knowledge of social determinants of health, the majority of whom shall be representatives of the racial and ethnic minority population of the State of Rhode Island. Not more than fifteen percent (15%) of the members shall be affiliates with a grantee of the office of minority health of the department of health. Members shall be authorized to appoint a designee. The director may also appoint staff of the department as ex officio members of the committee to serve as a liaison between the committee and their specific departmental programs. Such ex officio members shall not be counted for the purpose of determining a quorum and shall not be eligible to vote.
(b)
Commission members shall serve without compensation and shall be appointed for a term of three (3) years. Commission members may be reappointed for an additional three (3) year term provided that no member shall serve more than two (2) consecutive terms, regardless of the total number of years served, or a maximum of six (6) consecutive years, after which an individual shall be ineligible for membership for a period of one year.
(c)
The terms of current members of the department’s minority health advisory committee, renamed the commission for health advocacy and equity by this section, shall remain in effect upon passage and shall not be impacted by any provision of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 155, § 2; P.L. 2011, ch. 172, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-64.1 - Commission for Health Advocacy and Equity › Section 23-64.1-4. - Purpose.

§ 23-64.1-4. Purpose.
(a)
The purpose of the commission for health advocacy and equity shall be:
(1)
To advocate for the integration of all relevant activities of the state to achieve health equity;
(2)
To provide direct advice to the director of health, and indirect advice to the department’s senior administrators and planners through the director, regarding issues of racial, ethnic, cultural, or socio-economic health disparities;
(3)
To develop and facilitate coordination of the expertise and experience of the state’s health and human services systems, housing, transportation, education, environment, community development, and labor systems in developing a comprehensive health equity plan addressing the social determinants of health;
(4)
To set goals for health equity and prepare a plan for Rhode Island to achieve health equity in alignment with any other statewide planning activities; and
(5)
to educate state agencies in Rhode Island on disparities, including social factors that play a role in creating or maintaining disparities.
(b)
In furtherance of this purpose, the commission shall study the range of issues that may impact an individual’s, family’s or community’s health and propose recommendations to address these issues and ensure quality integration and evaluation of any program or policy designed to reduce or eliminate racial or ethnic health disparities. Such recommendations may be developed with input from other agencies and the resulting plan shall be broadly disseminated as advisory to other state agencies.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 155, § 2; P.L. 2011, ch. 172, § 2.