RI
Rhode Island Senate Bill S0327

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S0327

Introduced
2/21/25  
Refer
2/21/25  
Report Pass
5/28/25  

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.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0608

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 H5770

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 S2779

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 H7474

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 H5518

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State -- Line Item Veto

RI S2443

JOINT RESOLUTION JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- REMOVING PROVISIONS PROVIDING FOR ELECTION BY PLURALITY (This Joint Resolution would propose to the voters of the state a constitutional amendment which would remove from the Constitution the provision of Article IV, Section 2, that provide for election by plurality.)

RI H5310

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 H7395

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 H5126

Joint Resolution To Approve, Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State -- Four Year Terms And Term Limits For Representatives And Senators (proposes An Amendment To The State Constitution, Article Iv, To Allow For Term Limits For The General Assembly Members.)

RI H8017

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF SUFFRAGE (This Joint Resolution would propose to the voters of the state a constitutional amendment which would provide that no person who is not a citizen of the United States would be allowed to vote in this state.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.