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HB 8091

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- LICENSING OF YOUTH CAMPS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Justine Caldwell and 2 co-sponsors

Rhode Island bill establishes state licensing requirements for youth camps to standardize safety standards, staff qualifications, and facility oversight to protect children.

06/19/2026 Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · HB 8091

Legislative bill overview

HB 8091 establishes licensing requirements and regulatory standards for youth camps operating in Rhode Island. The bill creates a framework for state oversight of facility safety, staffing qualifications, and operational protocols to protect children attending overnight and day camps.

Why is this important

Youth camps serve thousands of Rhode Island children annually, but currently operate with minimal state regulation. Establishing licensing requirements ensures consistent safety standards across all camps, protecting vulnerable populations from inadequate supervision, unsafe facilities, or unqualified staff while providing parents with assurance about camp quality and accountability.

Potential points of contention

  • Operational costs: New licensing requirements and compliance measures may increase camp operating expenses, potentially raising fees for families or reducing camp accessibility for lower-income participants
  • Regulatory burden: Small, community-based, or specialized camps may find extensive licensing paperwork and inspections administratively burdensome compared to larger operations
  • Definition scope: Disagreement may arise over which facilities qualify as "youth camps" (day camps vs. overnight, religious/non-secular distinction, sports-specific programs, etc.) and therefore which entities fall under licensing authority

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

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