Rhode Island S2438: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL WASTE RECYCLING AND REFUSE DISPOSAL (Amends certain provisions relative to school waste recycling and refuse disposal and requires reports of waste audits by educational entities and reports of program participation by vendors.)

What the bill says

From the introduced text, February 6, 2026:

2026 -- S 2438 ======== LC004754 ======== STATEOFRHODEISLAND IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026 ____________ ANACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL WASTE RECYCLING AND REFUSE DISPOSAL Introduced By: Senators Valverde, Kallman, Lauria, Euer, DiPalma, McKenney, DiMario, Gu, Mack, and Vargas Date Introduced: February 06, 2026 Referred To: Senate Environment & Agriculture It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows: SECTION 1. Sections 16-111-1, 16-111-2, 16-111-4, 16-111-5 and 16-111-7 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-111 entitled "School Waste Recycling and Refuse Disposal" are hereby amended to read as follows: 16-111-1. Definitions. As used in this chapter. (1) "Educational entity" or "educational entities" means all Rhode Island school districts, including a single school district, regional school district, multiple school districts, any public or private school grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12), any charter public school, or any career and technical high school. (2) "Sharing table" means a department of health-approved designated location in a school cafeteria where students or staff can place: (i) Unopened, prepackaged, shelf stable items including, but not limited to, granola bars, cereal packs, crackers, and drinks; (ii) Wrapped fruit and vegetables and fruits with a thick skin including, but not limited to, bananas, oranges, and washed apples; provided that, the peel is intact; and (iii) Unopened, prepackaged perishable food items; provided that, a temperature control mechanism …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Bridget Valverde (D, SD-035) · primary sponsor
• Meghan Kallman (D, SD-015)
• Pamela Lauria (D, SD-032)
• Dawn Euer (D, SD-013)
• DiPalma, Louis (D, SD-012)
• Mark McKenney (D, SD-030)
• DiMario, Alana (D, SD-036)
• Victoria Gu (D, SD-038)
• Tiara Mack (D, SD-006)
• Lammis Vargas (D, SD-028)

Latest actions

1. June 18, 2026: Signed by Governor
2. June 16, 2026: Transmitted to Governor
3. June 10, 2026: House passed Sub A in concurrence
4. June 9, 2026: Placed on House Calendar
5. June 9, 2026: Senate passed Sub A
6. June 4, 2026: Placed on Senate Calendar
7. June 2, 2026: Committee recommends passage of Sub A
8. June 1, 2026: Proposed Substitute
9. May 29, 2026: Scheduled for consideration
10. April 15, 2026: Committee recommended measure be held for further study

Votes

• House Seq #506: PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE (June 10, 2026): 62 yea, 8 nay, passed
• Senate Seq #471: (June 9, 2026): 38 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Senate Committee on Environment & Agriculture: Passage of Sub A (June 2, 2026): 7 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Senate Committee on Environment & Agriculture: Passage (June 2, 2026): 7 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Senate Committee on Environment & Agriculture: Passage (April 15, 2026): 9 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is S2438?

S2438 is a bill in the Rhode Island Legislature (2026 Regular Session): AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL WASTE RECYCLING AND REFUSE DISPOSAL (Amends certain provisions relative to school waste recycling and refuse disposal and requires reports of waste audits by educational entities and reports of program participation by vendors.).

What is the status of S2438?

Signed into law as of June 18, 2026. Latest action: Signed by Governor (June 18, 2026).

Who sponsored S2438?

Bridget Valverde (D, SD-035), with 9 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for S2438?

On the Rhode Island Legislature website: http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2438A.pdf