As summer wanes, we're continuing our series breaking down the flurry of new laws passed by the Rhode Island legislature. This session saw lawmakers tackle everything from emerging technology in our elections to long-standing consumer frustrations. In this segment, we’re looking at three significant new pieces of legislation: one aimed at holding contractors accountable, another addressing AI-generated political fakes, and a third creating a comprehensive regulatory framework for the sale of kratom.
If you’ve ever had a home renovation go sideways, you’ll want to pay attention to the new residential contractor licensing law, S0749. For years, contractors only needed to be registered with the state, a process that offered little assurance of skill. This law creates an actual licensing system for contractors performing structural work on homes. To get licensed, contractors will now have to pass an exam and complete continuing education, a much higher bar designed to protect homeowners from incompetence and fraud. While the bill is law now, the state has until January 1, 2027, to set up the program, with contractors required to be licensed by January 1, 2028. It’s a welcome change that gives consumer protection some real teeth.
Next, in a move that feels ripped from a sci-fi script, the state has taken on political deepfakes with H5872. This law makes it illegal for a campaign or political group to distribute "deceptive synthetic media" of a candidate within 90 days of an election. So, what does that mean? If a campaign creates a fake video of their opponent saying something they never said, it’s now prohibited. There is, however, a loophole: the law doesn’t apply if the media includes a clear disclosure that it has been manipulated by AI. This gives candidates who have been targeted a new tool to seek an injunction and sue for damages.
Finally, the state is ending the wild west era for kratom sales. The Rhode Island Kratom Act creates a strict regulatory and taxation system for the herbal substance. Beginning April 1, 2026, you’ll have to be 21 to purchase kratom, and all products must be sold from behind the counter. The law mandates extensive labeling, including health warnings and ingredient levels, while banning synthetic alkaloids and products that might appeal to children. It also establishes a new 15% excise tax on the wholesale cost of kratom products, creating a new revenue stream. For businesses, this means a whole new licensing system for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
These laws represent significant shifts in policy, affecting homeowners, voters, and consumers across the state. Tune in tomorrow for more analysis of the 2025 legislative session in our next installment.