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SB 2647

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- COMMERCIAL KITCHEN EXHAUST SYSTEM INSPECTION AND CLEANING, LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION ACT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Appollonio

Rhode Island would license and certify exhaust system inspectors/cleaners, standardize training, and enforce safety rules with penalties for noncompliance.

06/18/2026 Signed by Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2647

Summary of SB 2647 (Rhode Island), Session 2026

Title: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY — COMMERCIAL KITCHEN EXHAUST SYSTEM INSPECTION AND CLEANING, LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION ACT

Introduced by: Senator Peter A. Appollonio
Committee: Senate Commerce
Date Introduced: February 27, 2026
Status: Scheduled for consideration (as of action history)

Effective date: July 1, 2027

1) Purpose and intent

  • Establish a regulatory framework to license and certify individuals and entities that inspect and/or clean commercial kitchen exhaust systems.
  • Address safety concerns related to grease-laden deposits in exhaust systems, which the bill describes as highly flammable and capable of causing catastrophic fires.
  • Align with the Rhode Island fire safety code and centralize licensing and oversight under the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), in coordination with the state fire marshal’s duties.

2) Key provisions and changes

  • Establishment of a new chapter: Chapter 28.40 of Title 23 (Health and Safety) – “Commercial Kitchen Exhaust System Inspection and Cleaning, Licensing and Certification Act.”
  • Definitions (Section 23-28.40-2):
    • AHJ (authority having jurisdiction)
    • Approved certificate examination
    • Certificate, license, commercial kitchen exhaust system, NFPA 96, OSFM, Passingscore, etc.
    • Critical condition criteria (conditions that cannot be corrected within 24 hours)
    • Other terms related to licensing, certification, and inspections
  • Licensing and certification framework (Section 23-28.40-4):
    • Required license for any entity/individual performing inspection and/or cleaning.
    • Required technician certificates for those performing inspections/cleaning.
    • Certification requires: hands-on experience (minimum 30 hours), approved training (including apprenticeships), passing a state-approved examination, and a criminal background check.
    • Licensure requires: at least two certified technicians (one must be the applicant or principal officer), use of approved equipment, and proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
    • Fees: License $200; Certificate $100; all fees go into a restricted Kitchen Exhaust System Inspection and Cleaning Program account.
    • Duration: Licenses/certifications valid for 3 years; renewals every 3 years.
    • Renewal requirements: 5 hours of continuing education per licensing cycle; renewal fees of $50 (technician) and $100 (license); ongoing OSFM compliance.
    • Record retention requirement: licensee/certificate holder must maintain records for 3 years.
  • Rangehood decals (Section 23-28.40-5):
    • Post-service decals indicating date, technician, company, and certificate/license numbers.
    • Decals purchased from OSFM; technicians must use current decal version.
  • Required notices for critical conditions (Section 23-28.40-6):
    • Certificate holders/licensees must notify AHJ and client within 24 hours of a detected critical condition, in writing, with photos/videos.
    • No allocation of fault; emphasis on notification.
  • Rules and regulations (Section 23-28.40-7): OSFM may issue rules to implement the act.
  • Enforcement and penalties (Section 23-28.40-8):
    • OSFM may deny, suspend, revoke licenses/certificates, place on probation, or issue penalties for listed violations (misrepresentation, related criminal convictions, failure to report critical conditions, fraud, noncompliance, or employing unlicensed/unqualified workers).
    • Penalty cap: up to $1,000 per violation.
    • Cease-and-desist orders for unlicensed activity; potential court enforcement.
    • For repeat violations (three violations), subsequent violations may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor with penalties up to 1 year in prison and/or $1,000 fine.
  • Appeals and judicial review (Section 23-28.40-9):
    • Rights to appeal to the Rhode Island Fire Safety Code Board of Appeal and Review; further appeal to the District Court as allowed by law.
  • Responsibility for acts of agents (Section 23-28.40-10):
    • Licensees can be held accountable for the actions of their technicians and employees.
  • Severability (Section 23-28.40-11): Provisions are severable; if any part is invalid, others remain in effect.

3) Who would be affected

  • Businesses and individuals engaged in inspecting and/or cleaning commercial kitchen exhaust systems in Rhode Island.
  • Owner/officers of licensed entities (corporations, partnerships, etc.) who employ technicians.
  • Technicians performing inspections/cleanings would require certification and ongoing education.
  • Facilities with commercial kitchen exhaust systems, which would be subject to mandated inspections, potential notices of critical conditions, and decal recording.
  • OSFM and the Department of Business Regulation (DBR) would administer licensing, certification, enforcement, and rulemaking.

4) Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Implementation: The act takes effect on July 1, 2027.
  • Transitional considerations: Licenses/certifications issued before/after the effective date would follow the renewal cycles (3-year duration) and ongoing renewal requirements.
  • Financial mechanism: All fees collected are deposited into a restricted account dedicated to the kitchen exhaust system inspection and cleaning program.

5) Notable implications

  • Creates a state-regulated profession with defined credentials, training, and safety standards for a critical fire safety domain.
  • Introduces formal notice requirements and documentation (photos/videos) for critical conditions to ensure timely intervention.
  • Establishes potential penalties and enforcement mechanisms to improve compliance and public safety.
  • The staged timeline provides time for industry compliance and regulatory setup before licensing becomes mandatory.

If you’d like, I can compare SB 2647 to current Rhode Island fire code provisions or provide a side-by-side checklist of compliance steps for a hypothetical restaurant facility.

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

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