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SB 2946

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Appollonio and 7 co-sponsors

Rhode Island will require licensed youth camps with on-site supervision, trained staff, background checks, safety certifications, and camper records, effective Jan 1, 2027.

06/19/2026 Signed by Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2946

Summary of SB 2946 (Rhode Island) — Licensing of Youth Camps

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes licensing requirements, inspections, and regulatory framework for youth camps in Rhode Island.
  • Aligns implementation timing with the state departments of Human Services and Children, Youth & Families.
  • Purpose: enhance health, safety, and oversight of youth camps by mandating minimum standards and regular inspections.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 23-21.2-2: Requirements for licensing of youth camps

    • Location and water:
    • Camp must be in a location providing adequate potable water and access to readily available potable water.
    • Facilities and safety:
    • Dwelling units, buildings, and structures must be well-maintained, suitable for their use, and free of health or fire hazards.
    • On-site certification from the department of health and the state/local fire marshal (or equivalent), with a current fire marshal certificate dated within the past year available on site when the camp operates.
    • Staffing:
    • Adequate and competent staff, including:
      • A camp director or assistant director on site at all times.
      • Activities specialists, counselors, and maintenance personnel.
    • Background checks:
    • All staff over age 18 must obtain a criminal records background check through state or local authorities per the specified procedures.
    • Training:
    • All camp staff must be trained in camp policies for behavioral management and supervision, emergency health and safety procedures, and reporting of child abuse/neglect.
    • Hazardous activities:
    • Activities such as archery, aquatic activities, horseback riding, and firearms instruction must be supervised by qualified activities specialists with appropriate experience and training.
    • First aid:
    • The camp staff must include an individual trained in first aid at all times (for residential and day camps).
    • Camper records:
    • Maintain records for each camper, including: name, age, address; parent/guardian contact information; admission and discharge dates; and any other information required by the department.
    • Scope of license:
    • Camps must operate only as the type of camp authorized by their license and cannot advertise services they are not licensed to provide.
    • The license must be posted conspicuously at camp headquarters; failure to post creates a presumption of violation.

  • Effective date of licensing requirements

    • The substantive licensing requirements in subsection (a) do not apply until January 1, 2027.

  • Section 23-21.2-3: Inspections of facilities

    • The department must inspect facilities for an original license before issuance and annually thereafter.
    • Inspection requirements do not apply until January 1, 2027.

  • Section 23-21.2-4: Rules and regulations

    • The department must promulgate rules to implement the chapter.
    • Rules implementing §§ 22-21.2-2(a) and 23-21.2-3(a) shall not take effect until January 1, 2027.

  • Section 1, overall timing

    • The act takes effect upon passage, but most licensing and inspection requirements become enforceable on January 1, 2027, giving time to implement rules and processes.

Who/what is affected

  • Youth camps operating in Rhode Island (residential and day camps) that require licensing.
  • Camp operators, staff, and volunteers (as applicable) who must meet staffing, training, background check, and supervision requirements.
  • Camp facilities requiring health, fire, and safety certifications.
  • State agencies: Department of Health, state fire marshal, Department of Human Services, and Department of Children, Youth & Families (for alignment and implementation).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Immediate passage: Act takes effect upon passage.
  • Transitional period:
    • January 1, 2027: The main licensing requirements (staffing, training, background checks, hazardous activity supervision, camper records, posting of license) become effective.
    • January 1, 2027: Annual facility inspections begin for licensed camps; regulatory rules must be in place by this date.
  • Regulatory development:
    • The Department of Health and its counterparts will develop and finalize rules to implement the licensing framework.

Notable details

  • Emphasis on on-site supervision and a comprehensive staff structure (director/assistant director, specialists, counselors, maintenance).
  • Mandatory background checks and staff training focused on safety, emergency procedures, and child protection.
  • Clear prohibitions on misrepresenting licensed services or operating under a license type not authorized.
  • Documentation and recordkeeping requirements for campers to ensure traceability and safety.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary for a specific audience (e.g., camp operators, policymakers, or the general public) or add a quick comparison to current Rhode Island licensing practices.

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

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