2025 -- H 5099
========
LC000575
========
S T A T E O F R H O D E I S L A N D
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025
____________
A N A C T
RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF STATE
ROADS
Introduced By: Representatives McGaw, Speakman, Boylan, Carson, Kislak, Cortvriend,
Spears, Donovan, Alzate, and Fogarty
Date Introduced: January 22, 2025
Referred To: House Environment and Natural Resources
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 24-8-11 of the General Laws in Chapter 24-8 entitled "Construction 1
and Maintenance of State Roads" is hereby amended to read as follows: 2
24-8-11. Beautification. 3
(a) The department of transportation is hereby authorized and empowered to plant trees, 4
shrubs and otherwise beautify the area within the limits of a road, including state highways in a 5
manner and at locations as the department may deem advisable,. Plantings shall include pollinator-6
friendly native species when appropriate and the cost of the work shall be paid from moneys, 7
appropriated for highway purposes, not otherwise needed for the construction, reconstruction and 8
maintenance of state roads and bridges; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed 9
to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of such sums as may from time 10
to time be required, upon receipt by him or her of proper vouchers approved by the director of 11
transportation. The department shall seek suggestions from apiarists, horticulturists and other 12
certified professionals to identify the appropriate types of plants and locations that benefits 13
pollinators. For purposes of this section "pollinators" means insects to include, but not limited to, 14
bees that help carry pollen from the male part of the flower to the female part of the same or another 15
flower. 16
(b) Any and all activities performed by the department of transportation to benefit 17
pollinators on roadsides and state highways shall be in compliance with § 23 U.S.C. 332. 18
LC000575 - Page 2 of 3
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage. 1
========
LC000575
========
LC000575 - Page 3 of 3
EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF S TATE
ROADS
***
This act would authorize and empower the department of transportation to plant pollinator 1
friendly native species of trees, shrubs, grasses and plants within limits of a roadway, including 2
state highways. 3
The department would follow guidelines to benefit pollinators in compliance with § 23 4
U.S.C. 332. 5
This act would take effect upon passage. 6
========
LC000575
========