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HR 5732

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION – GREEN AMENDMENT

2025 Regular Session Introduced by David Bennett and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island proposes constitutional amendment granting citizens enforceable right to clean, healthy environment; requires voter approval via referendum.

04/03/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HR 5732

Legislative bill overview

HR 5732 is a joint resolution that would propose a constitutional amendment to Rhode Island's state constitution establishing a "Green Amendment"—a constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment. If passed by the legislature, the proposed amendment would be submitted to Rhode Island voters for approval through a referendum.

Why is this important

Constitutional environmental rights are enforceable legal protections that go beyond statutory environmental laws, giving citizens standing to sue for environmental violations and making it harder for future legislatures to weaken environmental protections. This represents a shift in how Rhode Island would legally recognize environmental quality as a fundamental right rather than a regulatory privilege.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs and scope: Questions about what constitutes a "clean and healthy environment" and potential litigation costs if citizens sue the state or private entities for environmental violations
  • Business and development impact: Concern that broad environmental rights could increase regulatory burden on businesses, development projects, and infrastructure improvements
  • Judicial activism concerns: Debate over whether courts would have appropriate expertise to define and enforce environmental standards, or if this delegates environmental policy-making to judges rather than elected officials

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

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