The bill proposes amendments to the General Laws in Chapter 4-1, specifically targeting "Cruelty to Animals," by introducing new definitions pertinent to cosmetics and their testing on animals. It aims to establish a clear framework by defining terms such as "cosmetic," "cosmetic ingredient," "cosmetic animal testing," "cosmetic product," "manufacturer," "non-functional constituent," and "supplier." The bill sets forth a prohibition on the sale or offering for sale of any cosmetic developed or manufactured using animal testing conducted on or after January 1, 2024, within the state, with exceptions for certain regulatory requirements or health risks.

The legislation outlines specific exemptions where cosmetic animal testing may be allowed, such as when required by federal or state regulatory authorities, when no alternative non-animal testing methods are recognized, or when an ingredient poses a significant human health issue that necessitates animal testing. The bill also establishes a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per offense for violations, restricts municipalities from creating their own non-identical prohibitions on cosmetic animal testing, and designates the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to investigate complaints and refer violations to the Attorney General. The bill is set to be effective upon passage.