RI
Rhode Island Senate Bill S0327

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S0327

Introduced
2/21/25  

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 enacted, the Green Amendment would significantly alter Rhode Island's legal landscape by embedding environmental rights into the state's constitution. This legal framework would grant citizens the capacity to assert their rights to a clean environment in court, potentially leading to increased litigation over environmental issues. Furthermore, the bill could compel the state to enhance its environmental regulations and policies, ensuring they align with the newly recognized rights of residents. It underscores the state's responsibility to safeguard natural resources equitably for all communities, irrespective of socio-economic or demographic factors.

Summary

Senate Bill S0327, titled the Green Amendment, proposes a constitutional amendment to Article 1 of the Rhode Island Constitution that recognizes the inherent rights of all residents to clean air, clean water, healthy soil, and a life-sustaining climate. The amendment further establishes the state as a trustee of natural resources, mandating it to protect these resources for the benefit of all citizens, including future generations. The bill's supporters highlight its importance in preserving environmental integrity and promoting ecological justice.

Contention

While the Green Amendment has garnered substantial support as a progressive step towards environmental justice, there are concerns from various stakeholders regarding its potential implications. Critics argue that the amendment may lead to increased legal challenges against the state and local governments over environmental standards, possibly hindering development and economic growth. There are apprehensions about how the amendment might interact with existing laws and regulations, and whether it could lead to conflicts with business interests or land-use policies. Nonetheless, proponents assert that the environment's health is integral to the well-being of state residents and that such amendments are crucial for future sustainability.

Latest S0327 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 H5732

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 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 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 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.