Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2781

Introduced
3/4/26  

Caption

Prohibits unauthorized placement of merchants on advertising platform order interfaces, and would prohibit third-party restaurant reservation services.

Impact

If enacted, S2781 will amend existing laws in Chapter 6-58 concerning 'Third-Party Delivery Systems'. It will enforce that any agreement between a merchant and a third-party service must be documented, emphasizing the importance of consent. This change aims to empower food service establishments to have more control over their visibility and representation in the digital marketplace, allowing them to prevent misappropriation of their branding and services by third parties.

Summary

S2781, also known as the 'Restaurant Reservation Anti-Piracy Act', aims to regulate the involvement of third-party delivery services and reservation services with food service establishments in Rhode Island. The bill prohibits unauthorized placement of merchants on advertising platforms, ensuring that third-party delivery services cannot display merchant information or take orders without explicit consent from the merchants. The intent behind this legislation is to protect the rights of merchants against undue exploitation by third-party services, fostering a fairer marketplace.

Contention

There may be potential points of contention regarding this bill, particularly surrounding the implications for third-party delivery services that currently operate without the required agreements. Critics may argue that such regulations could impact the availability and convenience of delivery services for consumers. They may also suggest that the bill could impose excessive regulations that may stifle market competition and innovation within the food delivery and reservation sectors.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0114

Prohibits any health insurer, pharmacy benefit manager, manufacturer or other third-party payor from discriminating against any 340B entity participating in a drug discount program.

RI H5634

Prohibits any health insurer, pharmacy benefit manager, manufacturer or other third-party payor from discriminating against any 340B entity participating in a drug discount program.

RI S0846

Prohibits healthcare providers and health plans from denying the payment of a medical bill, solely because the bill may have arisen from a third-party claim.

RI H5561

Prohibits healthcare providers and health plans from denying the payment of a medical bill, solely because the bill may have arisen from a third-party claim.

RI S0593

Prohibits public utilities, serving greater 100,000 customers from recovering through rates any direct or indirect cost associated with, amongst other costs, advertising, marketing, communications.

RI H5818

Prohibits public utilities, serving greater 100,000 customers from recovering through rates any direct or indirect cost associated with, amongst other costs, advertising, marketing, communications.

RI H5554

Prohibits the charging of interchange fees on taxes and gratuities.

RI S0842

Prohibits the charging of interchange fees on taxes and gratuities.

RI S0286

Prohibits purchases of more than one firearm in any thirty (30) day period.

RI H6234

Amends various sections of law relating to campaign contributions and expenditures including prohibitions on self-dealing with committee funds and prohibits donations made in fictitious names.

Similar Bills

IN HB1461

Road funding.

RI H7846

Prohibits unauthorized placement of merchants on advertising platform order interfaces, and would prohibit third-party restaurant reservation services.

AZ HB4076

Merchants; delivery of goods; warranty

HI HB2587

Relating To Labor.

HI HB1957

Relating To Safe Entryways.

MD HB895

Food Retailers and Third-Party Delivery Service Providers - Dynamic Pricing and Personal Data (Protection From Predatory Pricing Act)

SC H3876

Accommodations

PA HB1067

Providing for notice of gift card scams; and imposing penalties.