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HR 8451

HOUSE RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT TO WORK WITH THE TOWN OF NEW SHOREHAM TO DEVELOP A REGULATORY FRAMEWORK TO REDUCE TICK-BORNE ILLNESS ON BLOCK ISLAND

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tina Spears

The bill directs DEM, DOH, and New Shoreham to create a regulatory framework to reduce tick-borne illnesses on Block Island, including deer management, safety plans, permits, data,

06/09/2026 House passed Sub A
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Bill Summary · HR 8451

Overview

  • Bill: HR 8451 (Substitute A)
  • Session: Rhode Island, 2026
  • Jurisdiction: House of Representatives
  • Title: HOUSE RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT TO WORK WITH THE TOWN OF NEW SHOREHAM TO DEVELOP A REGULATORY FRAMEWORK TO REDUCE TICK-BORNE ILLNESS ON BLOCK ISLAND
  • Introduced by: Rep. Tina L. Spears
  • Referred to: House Environment and Natural Resources
  • Status: Sub A recommended for passage by committee; scheduled for floor consideration

Purpose and Intent

  • To require collaboration between the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), the Rhode Island Department of Health (DOH), and the Town of New Shoreham (Block Island) to create a comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at reducing tick-borne illnesses on Block Island.
  • Recognizes Block Island’s unique geography, deer overabundance issues, and elevated tick-borne disease risk as public health concerns warranting state partnership and a structured regulatory approach.

Key Provisions and Changes Proposed

The resolution directs DEM, in consultation with New Shoreham and DOH, to develop a comprehensive regulatory framework that includes:

  1. Tick-Borne Illness Reduction Strategies

    • Propose strategies to reduce vectors, with emphasis on deer population management.
    • Potential tools include licensed hunting, culling programs, fertility control, and exclusion methods suitable for Block Island’s environment.

  2. Public Safety Plan

    • Create a comprehensive safety protocol for deer management activities.
    • Include coordination with local law enforcement, notification of residents/visitors, and operational restrictions to ensure safety.

  3. Wildlife Damage Permits and Authorization

    • Provide a mechanism for New Shoreham to apply for and for DEM to issue wildlife damage permits or other necessary regulatory authorization to carry out approved deer management activities.
    • This would operate notwithstanding other general restrictions on deer damage permits.

  4. Progress Reporting

    • Establish a method for regular progress and outcomes reporting to DEM, DOH, and the Rhode Island General Assembly.

  5. Data Collection and Monitoring

    • Implement ongoing data collection on:
      • Deer population trends
      • Tick density and species composition
      • Tick-borne illness infection rates among residents and visitors
    • Data to be shared with DOH and other public health entities.

  6. Public Education

    • Include a public education component about tick-borne illness risks and evidence-based personal prevention measures.

  7. Reporting to State Leaders

    • DEM must submit findings, the proposed regulatory framework, and any recommended legislative or administrative actions to the Governor, Speaker of the House, and Senate President within six months of adoption of this resolution.

Beneficiaries and Affected Parties

  • Residents of New Shoreham (Block Island) and island visitors
  • The Town of New Shoreham (local government)
  • Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM)
  • Rhode Island Department of Health (DOH)
  • Rhode Island General Assembly
  • Law enforcement and emergency/public safety agencies on Block Island

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Timeline: Six months from the adoption of this resolution for DEM to deliver:
    • Findings
    • The proposed regulatory framework
    • Recommended legislative or administrative actions
  • Next steps: Submission of certified copies of the resolution to DEM, DOH, and the Town Council of New Shoreham by the Secretary of State.
  • Status path: Has progressed through committee stages and is slated for House calendar consideration.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Establishes a formal, state-supported process to address deer populations and tick-borne illnesses on Block Island.
  • Balances wildlife management with public health goals and safety considerations.
  • Introduces or formalizes mechanisms for regulatory action (e.g., wildlife damage permits) specific to island needs.
  • Requires ongoing data collection and transparency to inform future policy decisions and potential legislation.
  • Emphasizes public education to improve prevention and awareness among residents and visitors.

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

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