WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SR 831

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS TO SAFEGUARD RHODE ISLAND AGAINST THE USE OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tiara Mack

Creates an 11-member RI commission to study nuclear threats and propose protections for people and infrastructure, with public hearings and a final report by Aug 6, 2026.

03/19/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 831

Summary of RI SR 831 (Joint Resolution): Special Legislative Commission to Safeguard Rhode Island Against the Use of Nuclear Weapons

Overview

  • Bill: SR 831 – Joint Resolution Creating a Special Legislative Commission to Study and Provide Recommendations to Safeguard Rhode Island Against the Use of Nuclear Weapons
  • Introduced: March 14, 2025 by Senator Tiara T. Mack
  • Referred to: Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
  • Status: Committee recommended the measure be held for further study (as of March 19, 2025)
  • Classification: Resolution (not a statute)

Purpose and Intent

  • Establish an 11-member special legislative commission to study threats posed by nuclear weapons and to develop recommendations for protecting Rhode Island’s environment, infrastructure, population, and institutions.
  • The commission is charged with contributing toward the total elimination of nuclear weapons through multilateral diplomacy and international agreements (referencing the Non-Proliferation Treaty, the 2010 New START Treaty, and the 2021 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons).

Commission Composition and Appointment Process

  • Members: 11 United States citizens who are Rhode Island residents, reflecting the state’s demographic diversity (gender, culture, and ancestry) and who have publicly applied for membership.
  • Appointments:
    • 1 appointed by the Speaker of the Rhode Island House
    • 1 appointed by the President of the Rhode Island Senate
    • 1 appointed by the Rhode Island Attorney General
    • 8 appointed by the Secretary of State in consultation with the Governor
  • Application requirements: Each applicant must include:
    • Intent to advance the investigation
    • City/town of residence
    • Employment or retirement status
    • Interest and potential contributions to the commission’s work
  • Timeline: State Secretary must post the appointment opportunity within 30 days of passage; applications due within 30 days of posting; appointments made no sooner than 90 days and no later than 120 days after passage.

Purpose and Scope of Work

  • Primary charge: Investigate measures to protect Rhode Island from the existential threat of nuclear weapons and to support their elimination under described international frameworks.
  • Topics to address include, but are not limited to:
    • Physical destruction, fire, and radioactive contamination
    • Impacts on infrastructure (telecommunications, roads, bridges, electricity)
    • Disruption of essential services (food/fuel supply, finance, healthcare, housing)
    • Biodiversity and environmental degradation
    • Human health and mental well-being
    • Indirect effects from nuclear attacks in neighboring states/cities (e.g., Providence, Quonset Point)
    • Potential diplomatic and treaty-based breakthroughs (e.g., entry into force of the TPNW and related agreements)
    • Employment, technologies, and industries in Rhode Island related to nuclear weapons and diversification toward climate solutions and social needs (healthcare, housing, education, poverty/discrimination elimination)

Procedures, Meetings, and Public Involvement

  • Organization: Within 30 days after the final member is appointed, the commission shall organize and elect co-chairs by majority vote; will follow Senate rules for procedures.
  • Public oversight: Meetings and activities are subject to Rhode Island’s Open Meetings law; at least five public hearings across the state to gather input.
  • Hearing topics: Public input on humanitarian and environmental consequences of nuclear weapons, potential impacts on Providence or nearby sites, and discussion of related employment and climate-related transitions.
  • Accessibility: All Rhode Island residents shall have a reasonable opportunity to provide views.

Administrative and Financial Provisions

  • Compensation: Members shall not receive compensation for service.
  • Facilities: State-owned public halls may be used for hearings without payment.
  • Information sharing: State departments/agencies must provide needed information and assistance.
  • Support: Joint Committee on Legislative Services to provide suitable quarters for the commission.

Reporting and Sunset

  • Reporting obligation: By August 6, 2026, the commission must report its findings and, if applicable, drafts of legislation to implement recommendations, to the General Assembly, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Rhode Island Congressional Delegation, and the public.
  • Expiration: The commission expires on November 6, 2026.

Potential Impact and Context

  • Creates a formal, time-limited structure to assess Rhode Island-specific risks and responses to nuclear weapons and to explore policy options and workforce transitions aligned with climate and social goals.
  • Coordinates with state leaders and public input to potentially inform future legislative action or administrative measures.
  • Encourages public awareness and discussion of national/international nuclear weapons issues at the state level.

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

Sign in to ask a question.