RI
Rhode Island Senate Bill S2626
Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session
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Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2626

Introduced
2/13/26  

Caption

Establishes a restricted receipt account at the DLT for hospitality industry workforce training grants, funded by an annual $50 dollar fee to be charged by RIDOH to food service establishments.

Impact

This legislation proposes changes to existing regulations concerning the registration of food businesses, as outlined in the state's sanitation laws. By mandating additional funding mechanisms through the annual fee, the bill seeks to ensure continuous investment in safety training necessary for maintaining standards in food service establishments. It aims to enhance the compliance of food businesses with health regulations, thus benefiting public health and safety in food service operations across the state.

Summary

Bill S2626 introduces significant measures aimed at improving workforce training within the hospitality industry in Rhode Island. Specifically, the bill establishes a restricted receipt account at the Department of Labor and Training (DLT), dedicated to funding grants for hospitality workforce training programs. Among these initiatives are safety training programs for food and alcohol that will be available in multiple languages, to better cater to Rhode Island’s diverse workforce. The funding model is based on an annual fee of $50 charged to food service establishments by the Department of Health (DOH).

Contention

Notably, the introduction of an annual fee may serve as a point of contention among food service establishments, particularly smaller businesses that might be sensitive to additional costs. While the bill seeks to improve safety standards and ultimately the quality of food service, concerns arise from those who may argue that the fee could disproportionately impact smaller establishments compared to larger, more solvent businesses. Debates surrounding the effectiveness and fairness of this funding model may influence discussions among stakeholders, including business owners and health advocates.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0584

Establishes a restricted receipt account at the DLT for hospitality industry workforce training grants, funded by an annual $50 dollar fee to be charged by RIDOH to food service establishments.

RI H5942

Establishes a restricted receipt account at the DLT for hospitality industry workforce training grants, funded by an annual $50 dollar fee to be charged by RIDOH to food service establishments.

RI H5342

Establishes an agricultural restricted receipt account within the department of environmental management. An advisory committee would be established to determine suggested uses of the funds in said account.

RI S0436

Establishes an agricultural restricted receipt account within the department of environmental management. An advisory committee would be established to determine suggested uses of the funds in said account.

RI S0892

Establishes a restricted receipt account, known as the “988 Call Center Fund,” to be held and administered by the state to support the 988 call center budget.

RI H5405

Establishes a restricted receipt account for the benefit of the Rhode Island public transit authority, funded by sales taxes collected from ride-share companies, which said sales taxes would be exempt from indirect cost recovery provisions.

RI S0419

Establishes a restricted receipt account for the benefit of the Rhode Island public transit authority, funded by sales taxes collected from ride-share companies, which said sales taxes would be exempt from indirect cost recovery provisions.

RI S0253

Establishes a new program where the per pupil funding, calculated annually by RIDE, would be transferred into a newly created educational funding account run by the children's scholarship fund to pay for educational expenses.

RI H5341

Authorizes the collection of a small additional fee, in addition to the registration fee paid by motorboat owners, to be deposited in a restricted account, in order to fund the newly established freshwater lake management program.

RI H5859

Permits the use of private well water in food service establishment's restrooms if the water complies with the standards established pursuant to § 23-1-5.3(8).

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.