RI
Rhode Island House Bill H5732

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H5732

Introduced
2/26/25  

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, the Green Amendment would significantly impact state laws and policies regarding environmental conservation and protection. It formalizes the state's duty to maintain the environment, potentially leading to more robust environmental regulations and practices. The amendment's language suggests a proactive approach to environmental stewardship, meaning that the state would be mandated to ensure sustainable practices that protect natural resources for the sake of public health and ecological integrity. By enshrining these rights constitutionally, the bill could facilitate greater accountability among state and local government entities regarding environmental legislation.

Summary

House Bill 5732, also known as the Green Amendment, seeks to amend Article 1 of the Rhode Island Constitution by enshrining a right to a clean and healthy environment for all residents. This right includes access to clean air, clean water, healthy soil, and a life-supporting climate, establishing the state's responsibility to act as a trustee of its natural resources. The proposed amendment aims to secure these rights for present and future generations and emphasizes equity by ensuring that all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic status, benefit from the protections provided by the amendment.

Contention

While supporters argue that the Green Amendment is a necessary step toward recognizing the intrinsic link between environmental quality and public health, critics may raise concerns about the implications such constitutional rights could have on economic development and land-use regulations. Opponents might argue that the broad language of the amendment could lead to litigation that would complicate existing laws or impose new restrictions on business operations. Additionally, the potential impact of the amendment on property rights and local governance may prompt debates on the balance between environmental protection and development needs.

Latest H5732 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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 S0177

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE, PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- RIGHT TO AN ADEQUATE EDUCATION (Amends the constitution to guarantee Rhode Island residents with equal opportunity to receive an education that is adequate, equitable and meaningful and provides judicial enforcement of this provision.)

RI H5459

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE, PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- RIGHT TO AN ADEQUATE EDUCATION (Amends the constitution to guarantee Rhode Island residents with equal opportunity to receive an education that is adequate, equitable and meaningful and provides judicial enforcement of this provision.)

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 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 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.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.