Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7388

Introduced
1/31/24  

Caption

Establishes procedures to ensure agency regulations don't restrict individuals from businesses and professions, including home-based businesses, barbers, hairdressers and manicurists.

Impact

One of the notable aspects of H7388 is its intention to preempt local regulations that are inconsistent with state-level laws regarding entry into professions. This could reshape the regulatory landscape in Rhode Island by providing individuals with greater freedom to operate businesses, particularly home-based enterprises, without the burden of municipal approvals. The act allows home-based businesses to function under specific conditions without further bureaucratic hurdles, thereby promoting entrepreneurship. Additionally, it introduces provisions to review existing regulations, compelling agencies to justify the necessity of their rules to avoid unnecessary limitations on business opportunities.

Summary

House Bill H7388, known as the Right to Earn a Living Act, aims to facilitate the ability of individuals to pursue their chosen businesses or professions by addressing regulatory barriers. The bill highlights the significance of economic mobility through entrepreneurship, emphasizing the necessity of reducing excessive government interference that can unjustly limit entry into various occupations. By establishing this act, Rhode Island's legislature seeks to ensure that regulations are justified by legitimate public health, safety, or welfare objectives and that they do not disproportionately affect those in economic hardships. The proposed law mandates that all public service restrictions and entry regulations must be carefully tailored to serve articulated objectives.

Contention

Despite the positive economic implications highlighted by proponents, the bill has sparked some contention regarding potential overreach into local governance. Critics express concerns that centralizing regulatory authority could undermine local governments' ability to set necessary health and safety standards suited to their communities. This tension reflects a broader debate over the balance between fostering business growth and maintaining adequate protections for public welfare. The bill's implications for professions that require licensing, such as barbers and cosmeticians, could lead to challenges in enforcing quality and safety standards without local regulations to enforce these standards adequately.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6369

Barbers, Hairdressers, Cosmeticians, Manicurists And Estheticians

RI S0698

Barbers, Hairdressers, Cosmeticians, Manicurists And Estheticians

RI H5162

Barbers, Hairdressers, Cosmeticians, Manicurists And Estheticians

RI H6523

Barbers, Hairdressers, Cosmeticians, Manicurists And Estheticians

RI S0758

Barbers, Hairdressers, Cosmeticians, Manicurists And Estheticians

RI H5492

Right To Earn A Living Act

RI S0565

Professional Licensing And Regulation Of Speech-language Pathologists And Audiologists

RI H6489

Professional Licensing And Regulation Of Speech-language Pathologists And Audiologists

RI H6142

Domestic Workers' Bill Of Rights

RI S0927

Licensing Of Nursing Service Agencies

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