2024 -- S 2150

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LC004224

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- UNLAWFUL CONFINEMENT

OF A COVERED ANIMAL

     Introduced By: Senators Rogers, Tikoian, de la Cruz, F. Lombardi, McKenney, Burke, E
Morgan, Paolino, DeLuca, and Ciccone

     Date Introduced: January 24, 2024

     Referred To: Senate Environment & Agriculture

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 4-1.1-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 4-1.1 entitled "Unlawful

Confinement of a Covered Animal" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     4-1.1-4. Exceptions. [Effective July 1, 2026.]

     This chapter shall not apply:

     (1) During medical research;

     (2) Temporary confinement prior to and during examination, testing, individual treatment

or operation for veterinary purposes;

     (3) During transportation;

     (4) During rodeo exhibitions, state or county fair exhibitions, 4-H programs, and similar

exhibitions or educational programs;

     (5) During temporary confinement for animal husbandry purposes for no more than six (6)

hours in any twenty-four-hour (24) period, unless ordered by a licensed veterinarian;

     (6) During the humane slaughter of a covered animal in accordance with the provisions of

chapter 17 of this title, and other applicable laws and regulations;

     (7) To a sow during the five-day (5) period prior to the sow’s expected date of giving birth

and any day that the sow is nursing piglets;

     (8) To calves being trained to exhibit; and

     (9) To calves being trained to accept routine confinement in dairy and beef housing.; and

     (10) Egg laying hens kept for commercial egg production until January 1, 2034, at which

time this exemption shall expire.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- UNLAWFUL CONFINEMENT

OF A COVERED ANIMAL

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     This act would exempt egg laying hens kept for commercial egg production purposes from

the provisions of chapter 4-1.1 until January 1, 2034.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC004224

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