Rhode Island House Bill H6392

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/5/25
• Refer: 6/5/25
• Report Pass: 6/10/25
• Engrossed: 6/12/25
• Enrolled: 6/18/25
• Passed: 6/23/25

Caption

Allows food service businesses to provide temporary outdoor dining whenever building/other structure used for food service rendered uninhabitable by casualty fire/flood for 18 months or the building fit for occupancy sunsetting on 6/30/27.

Impact

The bill aims to help food service businesses adapt to disruptions caused by emergencies, promoting economic resilience within the local hospitality sector. It overrides municipal ordinances, including zoning or planning regulations, which allows for greater flexibility in temporary operational setups for affected businesses. This could lead to potential fluctuations in community aesthetic and regulatory norms as outdoor dining areas might not align with existing rules, raising concerns among local officials regarding long-term urban planning and zoning integrity.

Summary

House Bill H6392, titled the Outdoor Dining Act, was introduced to provide a framework for food service establishments to offer temporary outdoor dining services in the event their main building becomes uninhabitable due to casualties such as fire or flood. This measure allows establishments to maintain operations during recovery while ensuring compliance with state health and safety regulations. The approval for such temporary services must be granted by the respective city or town council and can last up to eighteen months from the date of approval or until the establishment is renovated and fit for occupancy.

Contention

Significant discussion may arise regarding the bill's sunset provision, which is set to expire on June 30, 2027. While supporters argue it is a necessary measure to safeguard local businesses during unforeseen events, critics may contend that long-term allowances without permanent guidelines could undermine local regulatory efforts. The potential clash between state-level legislation and local governance is a notable point of contention, reflecting broader debates on the balance of authority between state and local government jurisdictions.