Rhode Island · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 7072: AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- AGRICULTURAL FUNCTIONS OF DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 7072 is a bill introduced in the Rhode Island House on January 14, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- AGRICULTURAL FUNCTIONS OF DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT. Primary sponsor: Terri Cortvriend (Democratic), Tom Noret (Democratic), Michelle McGaw (Democratic), Kathleen Fogarty (Democratic), Teresa Tanzi (Democratic), Paul Santucci (Republican), Mike Chippendale (Republican), David Place (Republican), Tina Spears (Democratic), Megan Cotter (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (January 22, 2026): 01/22/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Amends the definition of farm and agricultural land to include land on which agricultural operations are being conducted or is suitable for agriculture operations, and further expand the definition of a farmer.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 7 · Republican 3
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terri Cortvriend | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 72 |
| Tom Noret | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 25 |
| Michelle McGaw | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 71 |
| Kathleen Fogarty | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 35 |
| Teresa Tanzi | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 34 |
| Paul Santucci | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 53 |
| Mike Chippendale | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 40 |
| David Place | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 47 |
| Tina Spears | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 36 |
| Megan Cotter | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 39 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- 01/22/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
- 01/16/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (01/22/2026)
- 01/14/2026 Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources