Bill Sponsors
Representative Tina L. Spears
Committee
House Environment and Natural Resources
Summary
Select
This bill allows the town of New Shoreham (Block Island) to ask the state for special, temporary permission to bypass standard Rhode Island deer hunting rules. Because the island has an overpopulation of deer, which increases the risk of tick-borne diseases, the town can create a specific deer management plan. If the state approves, the town can set its own rules for hunting seasons, hours, and methods for up to two years at a time. The state retains its authority to enforce environmental laws and can revoke the plan if safety issues arise.
Sponsor
Analysis
Pros for Progressives
- Addresses a serious public health crisis by working to reduce the spread of tick-borne illnesses within the community.
- Empowers local municipalities to tailor environmental and ecological management strategies to their unique geographic and biological needs.
- Includes strong state oversight, mandatory public hearings, and safety protocols, ensuring community voices are heard and the environment is protected.
Cons for Progressives
- May face opposition from animal welfare advocates who oppose lethal methods of population control and prefer non-lethal alternatives.
- Relaxing state hunting regulations, such as extending hunting hours or permissible methods, could raise public safety concerns in populated areas.
- Allowing local bounties or financial incentives for killing deer might encourage reckless hunting practices and commodify wildlife.
Pros for Conservatives
- Promotes local control by allowing the town government to manage its own unique wildlife issues rather than relying on blanket state regulations.
- Deregulates hunting restrictions, giving individuals more freedom regarding seasons, hours, and methods of take on the island.
- Protects private property rights by explicitly requiring written landowner consent before any deer management activities can occur on privately owned parcels.
Cons for Conservatives
- Still requires the town to navigate a bureaucratic state approval process, preventing immediate local action to solve the problem.
- The state retains the ultimate authority to modify or revoke the town's plan at any time, which undermines true local autonomy.
- Forces the town to fully indemnify and hold the state harmless from any liabilities, placing the entire financial and legal risk on the local municipality.
Constitutional Concerns
None Likely
Impact Overview
Groups Affected
- Hunters
- Residents of New Shoreham
- Property owners
- Environmental police officers
- Local government officials
Towns Affected
New Shoreham
Cost to Taxpayers
Amount unknown
Revenue Generated
None
BillBuddy Impact Ratings
Importance
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Freedom Impact
Level of individual freedom impacted by the bill.
Public Services
How much the bill is likely to impact one or more public services.
Regulatory
Estimated regulatory burden imposed on the subject(s) of the bill.
Clarity of Bill Language
How clear the language of the bill is. Higher ambiguity equals a lower score.
Enforcement Provisions
Measures enforcement provisions and penalties for non-compliance (if applicable).
Environmental Impact
Impact the bill will have on the environment, positive or negative.
Privacy Impact
Impact the bill is likely to have on the privacy of individuals.
Bill Status
Current Status
Held
Comm Passed
Floor Passed
Law
History
• 04/15/2026 Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
• 05/15/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (05/19/2026)
• 05/19/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• 05/15/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (05/19/2026)
• 05/19/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Bill Text
SECTION 1. Findings and Purpose.
The General Assembly finds that the town of New Shoreham, located on Block Island, presents unique ecological, geographic, and public health circumstances with respect to deer management that are not adequately addressed by the statewide regulatory framework established under this chapter and § 20-1-12. The island's geographic isolation, limited land area, a deer population exceeding ecologically sustainable levels, and the associated risks to human health from tick-borne illness, to native flora and fauna, and to public safety, collectively constitute a distinct management challenge. It is therefore the purpose of this section to create a mechanism by which New Shoreham may seek a time-limited exemption from certain statewide prohibitions governing deer hunting and management, subject to the oversight and approval of the director of the department of environmental management.
SECTION 2. Chapter 20-15 of the General Laws entitled "Deer Hunting" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
20-15-10. New Shoreham island deer overpopulation exemption.
(a) Definitions. As used in this section:
(1) "Director" means the director of the department of environmental management or designee.
(2) "Exemption period" means the time-limited period, not to exceed two (2) years, during which an approved island deer management plan is in effect.
(3) "Island deer management plan" or "plan" means the written plan submitted by the town council to the director pursuant to subsection (c) of this section.
(4) "Town" means the town of New Shoreham.
(5) "Town council" means the elected town council of the town of New Shoreham.
(6) "Town lands" means all lands within the territorial jurisdiction of the town of New Shoreham, including privately owned parcels for which written landowner consent has been obtained, but expressly excluding any lands owned, managed, or controlled by the federal government or the State of Rhode Island, unless the relevant federal or state authority has provided written consent to inclusion.
(b) Authority to seek exemption. The town council is hereby authorized to petition the director for a time-limited exemption from one or more of the prohibitions or restrictions set forth in regulations adopted pursuant to § 20-1-12 including, but not limited to, restrictions concerning allowable seasons, hunting hours, permissible methods of take, bag limits, and permitting requirements, for the sole purpose of deer population control on town lands to mitigate tick-borne illnesses. Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize an exemption from any prohibition enumerated in §§ 20-15-(1)(i) and 20-15-(4), or from any requirement of federal law.
(c) Petition requirements. A petition for exemption submitted by the town council shall be in writing and shall include, at a minimum, the following:
(1) A description of the deer population conditions on the island, supported by population data, wildlife surveys, or other evidence acceptable to the director;
(2) A demonstration that the deer population presents a significant threat to public health including, but not limited to, the high incidence of tick-borne illnesses, native ecological resources, agricultural interests, or public safety on the island;
(3) A proposed island deer management plan specifying:
(i) The specific regulatory prohibitions or restrictions from which an exemption is sought;
(ii) The proposed methods of deer management and take to be authorized in lieu of or in addition to existing statewide regulations;
(iii) The geographic boundaries of lands to be covered by the plan;
(iv) The proposed duration of the exemption period, which shall not exceed two (2) consecutive years;
(v) Measurable population reduction targets and benchmarks;
(vi) Proposed public safety protocols;
(vii) A harvest reporting and monitoring program; and
(viii) Evidence that the town council has held at least one duly noticed public hearing on LC006339 - Page 2 of 5 the proposed plan prior to submission;
(4) A list of any local ordinances or regulations the town council proposes to adopt to implement the plan during the exemption period; and
(5) A description of coordination efforts with adjacent landowners, conservation organizations, and other affected parties.
(d) Review and approval by director. Upon receipt of a complete petition, the director shall:
(1) Review the petition and island deer management plan for consistency with sound wildlife management principles, public safety, and applicable state and federal law;
(2) Hold at least one public hearing on the petition in New Shoreham within thirty (30) days of receipt of a complete petition;
(3) Issue a written decision approving, approving with conditions, or denying the petition within sixty (60) days of the public hearing;
(4) In approving a petition, specify the precise regulatory provisions from which an exemption is granted, the exemption period, all conditions and reporting requirements, and any provisions the director deems necessary to protect public safety and wildlife resources;
(5) File the approved plan as an emergency or limited regulation in accordance with the applicable provisions of the chapter 35 of title 42("Administrative Procedures Act"); and
(6) The director may deny a petition upon a finding that the proposed plan is inconsistent with public safety, sound wildlife management, or applicable law, and shall state the reasons for such denial in writing. A denial may be appealed to the department of environmental management office of administrative adjudication within thirty (30) days.
(e) Local regulations during exemption period. Upon director approval of an island deer management plan, the town council is authorized to adopt local ordinances or regulations implementing the plan solely within town lands, which may include provisions governing:
(1) Allowable seasons and hunting hours applicable on town lands, subject to the limits authorized in the approved plan;
(2) Permissible methods of take, which may include methods not otherwise authorized under § 20-15-(5), to the extent specifically authorized by the director in the approved plan;
(3) Landowner cooperative arrangements facilitating access to private lands for purposes of deer management under the plan;
(4) Local permitting and certification requirements for persons engaged in deer management activities under the plan; and
(5) The administration and disbursement of any local bounty, incentive, or reimbursement program for deer harvested pursuant to the plan. LC006339 - Page 3 of 5
(6) Local regulations adopted under this subsection shall not conflict with any condition imposed by the director in approving the plan and shall be filed with the director within thirty (30) days of adoption.
(f) Continuation of state enforcement authority. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit, diminish, or transfer the enforcement authority of the director, environmental police officers, or conservation officers under §§ 20-1-5 and 20-1-8. Environmental police officers shall retain full authority to enforce state law and the conditions of the approved island deer management plan within town lands throughout any exemption period.
(g) Reporting and monitoring. During any exemption period, the town shall submit to the director annual written reports documenting:
(1) The number and sex of deer harvested;
(2) Progress toward population reduction targets;
(3) Any public safety incidents; and
(4) Such other data as the director may require. The director shall retain authority to modify or revoke an approved plan at any time upon a finding that continued implementation presents a threat to public safety or wildlife resources, or that the town has materially failed to comply with the plan or its conditions, following written notice to the town council and an opportunity to be heard.
(h) Expiration and renewal. An exemption period shall expire automatically at the conclusion of the term specified in the approved plan. The town council may petition for renewal pursuant to the same process set forth in this section. No exemption shall be in effect for more than two (2) consecutive years without renewal. Upon expiration or revocation of an exemption, all statewide regulations under this chapter and § 20-1-12 shall apply in full to town lands.
(i) Liability and indemnification. The town shall indemnify and hold harmless the State of Rhode Island, the department of environmental management, and their officers, agents, and employees from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from the implementation of an island deer management plan by the town or its agents.
SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon passage.
The General Assembly finds that the town of New Shoreham, located on Block Island, presents unique ecological, geographic, and public health circumstances with respect to deer management that are not adequately addressed by the statewide regulatory framework established under this chapter and § 20-1-12. The island's geographic isolation, limited land area, a deer population exceeding ecologically sustainable levels, and the associated risks to human health from tick-borne illness, to native flora and fauna, and to public safety, collectively constitute a distinct management challenge. It is therefore the purpose of this section to create a mechanism by which New Shoreham may seek a time-limited exemption from certain statewide prohibitions governing deer hunting and management, subject to the oversight and approval of the director of the department of environmental management.
SECTION 2. Chapter 20-15 of the General Laws entitled "Deer Hunting" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
20-15-10. New Shoreham island deer overpopulation exemption.
(a) Definitions. As used in this section:
(1) "Director" means the director of the department of environmental management or designee.
(2) "Exemption period" means the time-limited period, not to exceed two (2) years, during which an approved island deer management plan is in effect.
(3) "Island deer management plan" or "plan" means the written plan submitted by the town council to the director pursuant to subsection (c) of this section.
(4) "Town" means the town of New Shoreham.
(5) "Town council" means the elected town council of the town of New Shoreham.
(6) "Town lands" means all lands within the territorial jurisdiction of the town of New Shoreham, including privately owned parcels for which written landowner consent has been obtained, but expressly excluding any lands owned, managed, or controlled by the federal government or the State of Rhode Island, unless the relevant federal or state authority has provided written consent to inclusion.
(b) Authority to seek exemption. The town council is hereby authorized to petition the director for a time-limited exemption from one or more of the prohibitions or restrictions set forth in regulations adopted pursuant to § 20-1-12 including, but not limited to, restrictions concerning allowable seasons, hunting hours, permissible methods of take, bag limits, and permitting requirements, for the sole purpose of deer population control on town lands to mitigate tick-borne illnesses. Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize an exemption from any prohibition enumerated in §§ 20-15-(1)(i) and 20-15-(4), or from any requirement of federal law.
(c) Petition requirements. A petition for exemption submitted by the town council shall be in writing and shall include, at a minimum, the following:
(1) A description of the deer population conditions on the island, supported by population data, wildlife surveys, or other evidence acceptable to the director;
(2) A demonstration that the deer population presents a significant threat to public health including, but not limited to, the high incidence of tick-borne illnesses, native ecological resources, agricultural interests, or public safety on the island;
(3) A proposed island deer management plan specifying:
(i) The specific regulatory prohibitions or restrictions from which an exemption is sought;
(ii) The proposed methods of deer management and take to be authorized in lieu of or in addition to existing statewide regulations;
(iii) The geographic boundaries of lands to be covered by the plan;
(iv) The proposed duration of the exemption period, which shall not exceed two (2) consecutive years;
(v) Measurable population reduction targets and benchmarks;
(vi) Proposed public safety protocols;
(vii) A harvest reporting and monitoring program; and
(viii) Evidence that the town council has held at least one duly noticed public hearing on LC006339 - Page 2 of 5 the proposed plan prior to submission;
(4) A list of any local ordinances or regulations the town council proposes to adopt to implement the plan during the exemption period; and
(5) A description of coordination efforts with adjacent landowners, conservation organizations, and other affected parties.
(d) Review and approval by director. Upon receipt of a complete petition, the director shall:
(1) Review the petition and island deer management plan for consistency with sound wildlife management principles, public safety, and applicable state and federal law;
(2) Hold at least one public hearing on the petition in New Shoreham within thirty (30) days of receipt of a complete petition;
(3) Issue a written decision approving, approving with conditions, or denying the petition within sixty (60) days of the public hearing;
(4) In approving a petition, specify the precise regulatory provisions from which an exemption is granted, the exemption period, all conditions and reporting requirements, and any provisions the director deems necessary to protect public safety and wildlife resources;
(5) File the approved plan as an emergency or limited regulation in accordance with the applicable provisions of the chapter 35 of title 42("Administrative Procedures Act"); and
(6) The director may deny a petition upon a finding that the proposed plan is inconsistent with public safety, sound wildlife management, or applicable law, and shall state the reasons for such denial in writing. A denial may be appealed to the department of environmental management office of administrative adjudication within thirty (30) days.
(e) Local regulations during exemption period. Upon director approval of an island deer management plan, the town council is authorized to adopt local ordinances or regulations implementing the plan solely within town lands, which may include provisions governing:
(1) Allowable seasons and hunting hours applicable on town lands, subject to the limits authorized in the approved plan;
(2) Permissible methods of take, which may include methods not otherwise authorized under § 20-15-(5), to the extent specifically authorized by the director in the approved plan;
(3) Landowner cooperative arrangements facilitating access to private lands for purposes of deer management under the plan;
(4) Local permitting and certification requirements for persons engaged in deer management activities under the plan; and
(5) The administration and disbursement of any local bounty, incentive, or reimbursement program for deer harvested pursuant to the plan. LC006339 - Page 3 of 5
(6) Local regulations adopted under this subsection shall not conflict with any condition imposed by the director in approving the plan and shall be filed with the director within thirty (30) days of adoption.
(f) Continuation of state enforcement authority. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit, diminish, or transfer the enforcement authority of the director, environmental police officers, or conservation officers under §§ 20-1-5 and 20-1-8. Environmental police officers shall retain full authority to enforce state law and the conditions of the approved island deer management plan within town lands throughout any exemption period.
(g) Reporting and monitoring. During any exemption period, the town shall submit to the director annual written reports documenting:
(1) The number and sex of deer harvested;
(2) Progress toward population reduction targets;
(3) Any public safety incidents; and
(4) Such other data as the director may require. The director shall retain authority to modify or revoke an approved plan at any time upon a finding that continued implementation presents a threat to public safety or wildlife resources, or that the town has materially failed to comply with the plan or its conditions, following written notice to the town council and an opportunity to be heard.
(h) Expiration and renewal. An exemption period shall expire automatically at the conclusion of the term specified in the approved plan. The town council may petition for renewal pursuant to the same process set forth in this section. No exemption shall be in effect for more than two (2) consecutive years without renewal. Upon expiration or revocation of an exemption, all statewide regulations under this chapter and § 20-1-12 shall apply in full to town lands.
(i) Liability and indemnification. The town shall indemnify and hold harmless the State of Rhode Island, the department of environmental management, and their officers, agents, and employees from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from the implementation of an island deer management plan by the town or its agents.
SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon passage.