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SB 991

AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- PROTECTING RHODE ISLANDERS FROM COERCIVE ECONOMIC TACTICS AT GROCERY STORES

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 7 co-sponsors

SB 991 proposes regulating unspecified "coercive economic tactics" by Rhode Island grocery stores, but remains undefined in committee review with unclear scope and enforcement mechanisms.

05/13/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 991

Legislative bill overview

SB 991 addresses "coercive economic tactics" employed by grocery stores against Rhode Island consumers and businesses. The bill's specific provisions are not detailed in the available information, but it appears designed to regulate aggressive commercial practices in the grocery retail sector. The measure was introduced with bipartisan sponsorship but has not advanced beyond committee review.

Why is this important

Grocery stores are essential services in communities, and unfair commercial practices can harm both consumers (through inflated prices or restricted access) and smaller suppliers (through exploitative terms). Regulatory intervention in this sector could affect food pricing, availability, and competition, directly impacting household budgets and local business viability. However, without seeing the actual bill language, the scope and nature of the problem being addressed remain unclear.

Potential points of contention

  • Vague language: The term "coercive economic tactics" is not defined in available materials, making it unclear what practices would actually be prohibited and how broadly this could be interpreted
  • Business compliance costs: Retailers may argue that new regulations create administrative burdens and could be passed on to consumers through higher prices
  • Definition of the problem: There is no publicly available evidence presented regarding the prevalence or severity of the grocery practices this bill targets, making it difficult to assess whether intervention is proportional to actual harm

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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