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Rhode Island Senate Bill S2225
Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session
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Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2225

Introduced
1/23/26  

Caption

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- GREEN AMENDMENT (Proposes a constitutional amendment to Article 1 providing for a right to clean air, soil, climate, and the environment’s natural values.)

Impact

If passed, S2225 would amend Article 1 of the Rhode Island Constitution and establish environmental rights as fundamental constitutional rights. This would fundamentally impact state laws concerning environmental protection, potentially influencing the way environmental regulations and preservation initiatives are developed and enforced. The amendment aligns with a broader national movement to acknowledge and secure environmental rights within constitutional frameworks, which could have far-reaching implications for legislation affecting climate change and environmental justice in Rhode Island.

Summary

Bill S2225, known as the Green Amendment, proposes a significant change to the Constitution of Rhode Island by establishing a constitutional right to clean air, healthy soil, and a preservation of the environment's natural values. The goal of this initiative is to ensure that all residents have an inherent, inalienable right to a clean and healthful environment, positioning the state not only as a protector of these rights but as a trustee of Rhode Island's natural resources. The bill emphasizes equitability, proposing that these environmental rights be guaranteed regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic status.

Contention

The discussion surrounding S2225 has highlighted notable points of contention. Supporters argue that such constitutional recognition is crucial for safeguarding the environment against pollution and degradation, ensuring future generations inherit a healthy planet. However, there are concerns from opponents regarding the practical implications of enshrining these rights, such as potential legal challenges and the complex nature of enforcement. Some legislators fear that this amendment could complicate regulatory procedures or conflict with existing laws aimed at economic development, particularly in industries linked to natural resource usage.

Latest RI S2225 Activity

View All Events: RI 2026 Regular Session S2225

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0327

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- GREEN AMENDMENT (Proposes a constitutional amendment to Article 1 providing for a right to clean air, soil, climate, and the environment’s natural values.)

RI H5732

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION – GREEN AMENDMENT (Proposes a constitutional amendment to Article 1 providing for a right to clean air, soil, climate, and the environment’s natural values.)

RI S0820

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF SUFFRAGE (Would propose to the voters of the state a constitutional amendment regarding eligibility to vote and to be a candidate.)

RI H5515

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF SUFFRAGE (Would propose to the voters of the state a constitutional amendment regarding eligibility to vote and to be a candidate.)

RI S0208

APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF QUALIFICATION FOR OFFICE

RI H5734

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- LINE ITEM VETO (This proposed amendment to our state Constitution grants the governor a line-item veto on the budget and other appropriation bills.)

RI H5386

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- JURY NULLIFICATION AS PROPER TRIAL DEFENSE ARGUMENT (This joint resolution would propose to the voters a constitutional amendment which would allow a criminal defendant to argue jury nullification as a defense.)

RI S0725

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF THE LEGISLATIVE POWER (Proposes a state constitutional amendment that no department or other entity created by the state would have poser to incur debt in excess of $ 50,000, without express approval from the legislature and voters.)

RI S0308

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- REFERENDUM ON LINE ITEM VETO (This proposed amendment to the Constitution would provide the governor with a line item veto on the budget and other bills for the appropriation of money.)

RI H5086

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE, PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- FOUR YEAR TERMS FOR REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATORS (Proposes an amendment to the State Constitution, Article IV, Section 1, that would allow four (4) year terms for general assembly members, commencing with the 2028 election.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.