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SR 2417

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tiara Mack

Creates an 11-member commission to study nuclear threats in Rhode Island and recommend protections, transition plans for workers, and steps toward eliminating nuclear weapons.

01/30/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 2417

Summary of Bill SR 2417 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Title

Joint Resolution creating a special legislative commission to study and provide recommendations to safeguard Rhode Island against the use of nuclear weapons.

Purpose and Intent

  • Establish an 11-member, temporary Special Legislative Commission tasked with studying the threats and potential impacts of nuclear weapons on Rhode Island.
  • Develop recommendations for protecting the environment, infrastructure, public health, and overall safety of the state.
  • Explore measures to facilitate a transition for Rhode Island workers and businesses away from nuclear weapons-related activity toward climate-related and other social needs (e.g., health care, housing, education, poverty elimination).

Key Provisions

Commission Composition and Appointments

  • Total of 11 members, all Rhode Island residents and U.S. citizens.
  • Members must credibly reflect the state’s demographic diversity (gender, culture, ancestry) and have publicly applied for membership.
  • Appointments: 1 by Speaker of the House; 1 by President of the Senate; 1 by the Rhode Island Attorney General; 8 by the Secretary of State in consultation with the Governor.
  • Application details required: intent to advance the investigation, home town, employment/retirement status, and rationale for contributing to the work.
  • Secretary of State to post the opportunity on the state website within 30 days of passage; applications due within 30 days of posting.
  • All appointments to occur between 90 and 120 days after passage.

Scope and Topics

  • The commission shall investigate measures to protect Rhode Island’s environment, wildlife, culture, and population from nuclear weapons threats.
  • Promote efforts toward the total elimination of nuclear weapons under applicable international frameworks:
    • Non-Proliferation Treaty (1970)
    • New START Treaty (2010)
    • Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (2021)
  • Topics to address include:
    • Physical destruction, fires, and radioactive contamination
    • Infrastructure collapse (roads, bridges, electricity, telecommunications)
    • Disruption of essential services (food/fuel, financial systems, healthcare, housing)
    • Environmental damage and loss of biodiversity
    • Physical/mental health impacts on residents
    • Cross-border/rippling effects from nearby nuclear events (e.g., effects of a nearby city/state attack on Rhode Island)
    • Potential diplomatic developments (e.g., progress in treaties reducing nuclear risk)
    • Employment, technologies, and industries within the state related to both nuclear weapons and climate change

Recommendations and Activities

  • Propose measures (financial, legislative, or legal) to support workers and businesses in transitioning away from nuclear weapons-related activity toward climate and social needs.
  • Assess how Rhode Island can respond to long-term nuclear risks and to evolving international norms.

Procedure, Meetings, and Public Involvement

  • Within 30 days after the final member is named, the commission must organize and elect co-chairs by majority vote.
  • Conducts proceedings under Senate rules and the Open Meetings law; mandatory public hearings.
  • Minimum of five public hearings across the state to solicit public input and educate citizens and legislators on humanitarian and environmental consequences.
  • Hearings to address potential impacts of a nuclear explosion on Providence or Quonset Point, including fallout and long-term contamination, and examine diplomatic developments related to nuclear weapons.
  • Hear topics on employment, technologies, and industries within the state related to both nuclear weapons and climate change.
  • Public participation: Rhode Island residents must be given a reasonable opportunity to share views.
  • Vacancies: to be filled by the Secretary of State via the same process as original appointments.
  • Compensation: members shall not receive compensation.
  • Use of state facilities: hearings to be held in state-owned public halls at no extra cost.

Resources and Access

  • State departments and agencies must provide necessary information and assistance to the commission.
  • Facilities: Joint Committee on Legislative Services to provide suitable quarters.
  • The commission may produce drafts of potential legislation to implement its recommendations.

Reporting and Duration

  • Final report and, if applicable, draft legislation to implement recommendations due no later than August 6, 2027.
  • Commission expires on November 6, 2027.

Impact and Implications

  • Establishes a structured, time-limited process to assess nuclear threat risks to Rhode Island and identify protective strategies.
  • Encourages exploration of a shift in the state’s economic activity away from nuclear weapons-related work toward climate resilience and social welfare priorities.
  • Promotes transparency and public engagement through public hearings and Open Meetings compliance.
  • Provides formal channels for intergovernmental communication (Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, and Rhode Island Congressional Delegation) with a final deliverable that could inform state policy and potential legislation.

Status and Timeline

  • Introduced January 30, 2026; referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs.
  • Action history indicates withdrawal by sponsor on April 29, 2026 (per the record provided).
  • If revived or reintroduced, the core provisions create a 11-member commission with a report due by August 6, 2027, and expiration by November 6, 2027.

Note: The bill text specifies withdrawal at sponsor’s request on 2026-04-29; readers should confirm current status and any subsequent actions to determine if the proposal remains active or has been superseded.

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

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