Repeals the provisions of chapter 45.1 of title 11, regarding unreasonable noise levels.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would repeal — meaning completely remove — an existing section of Rhode Island law that currently deals with unreasonable noise levels. Chapter 45.1 of Title 11 is part of the state's criminal offenses code, which means the current law treats certain types of excessive noise as a criminal matter under state law. If this bill passes, that entire section of law would be eliminated.

The people most directly affected would be Rhode Island residents, local governments, and law enforcement. Right now, the state law provides a baseline standard for what counts as "unreasonable noise" and gives authorities a legal tool to address noise complaints at the state level. Removing it could shift responsibility for handling noise issues entirely to individual cities and towns, which may or may not have their own local noise ordinances in place. Residents who currently rely on state law to address noise disturbances in their neighborhoods could lose that protection if their local municipality doesn't have equivalent rules.

It's worth noting that this bill is still in its early stages. It was referred to the Senate Housing and Municipal Government Committee and has been recommended to be held for further study, meaning lawmakers have not yet moved it forward. No final decision has been made, and the bill could be changed, advanced, or set aside entirely as the legislative process continues.