Welcome to a new daily series at Uprise RI covering all of the need-to-know laws passed this year by the General Assembly. We’re taking the legalese out of the legislative text, and breaking down how these laws can affect you. This first batch covers a lot of ground, from making a key public health initiative permanent to protecting homeowners from some truly weird, long-term contracts. And if you’ve ever wondered about the chemicals in your non-stick pan or rain jacket, the state is taking a big swing at that, too.

First up, the state’s approach to the overdose crisis just got a permanent tool in its arsenal. A new law, H5171, removes the 2026 expiration date on the pilot program for harm reduction centers. These centers, sometimes called safe consumption sites, provide a medically supervised space for people to use pre-obtained substances, drastically reducing the risk of a fatal overdose. The move from “pilot” to “permanent” signals a major policy commitment. But here’s the catch: don’t expect one to pop up on your corner tomorrow. The law keeps a provision that requires express approval from the local city or town council for a center’s location and hours, which remains a significant political hurdle.

Next, the legislature took on “forever chemicals.” The Consumer PFAS Ban Act is a sweeping piece of legislation aimed at phasing out per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from everyday products. What are PFAS? They’re a class of chemicals used to make things water- or stain-resistant, found in everything from cookware and cosmetics to carpets and kids’ products. The law sets up a timeline for a ban, starting with firefighting foam. As of January 1, 2025, using PFAS-laden foam for training will be illegal, as will its sale in most cases. Firefighters will also get more protection; manufacturers must start disclosing PFAS in their protective gear in 2025, with a full ban on the chemicals in new gear coming in 2027.

Finally, ever heard of a 40-year contract just to list your house for sale? Lawmakers have, and they’re putting a stop to it. A new law, H5185, targets what it calls “unfair service agreements.” These are predatory deals where a company gives a homeowner a small upfront payment in exchange for an exclusive, multi-decade right to be their real estate agent. These contracts were being filed in property records, creating a nightmare for future sales. The law makes these agreements unenforceable, prohibits them from being recorded, and allows homeowners to sue for damages. It’s a direct shot at a business model that preys on homeowners.

From public health strategies and environmental safety to protecting your biggest asset—your home—these new laws will have real-world effects across the Ocean State. They show a willingness by lawmakers to tackle complex, modern problems, whether it’s the chemical composition of a rain jacket or a predatory contract buried in the land records. Tune in throughout the month as we cover everything you need to know about the 800+ new laws passed in 2025.