The bill amends the General Laws in Chapter 5-11, which pertains to "Hawkers and Peddlers," by introducing new definitions and clarifying the authority of certain towns and cities to issue rules and regulations. It defines "door-to-door salespersons" as individuals who deliver goods, services, or merchandise directly to customers, with payment made at the time of delivery or beforehand. The bill restricts hawkers and peddlers from selling items with a retail value over $300, except for nonprofit corporations recognized under 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3), and exempts mobile food establishments from being classified as hawkers or peddlers. It also outlines the powers of local governments to license and regulate these individuals, including the ability to impose penalties for unlicensed activities, set a maximum annual license fee of $50, and exempt certain individuals from the licensing requirement. Towns are given the discretion to issue and revoke licenses and to establish fees and regulations for hawkers and peddlers on state highways, with specific provisions for July 4th and other durations and locations.

The bill expands the regulatory authority of the city and town councils of Providence, Pawtucket, Tiverton, Warwick, West Warwick, Burrillville, and Richmond over hawkers and peddlers, allowing them to issue and revoke licenses, establish fees beyond previously set amounts, and create ordinances for the operation of licensed individuals. It also authorizes the town councils of West Warwick and Burrillville to establish penalties for ordinance violations up to $1,000. The bill requires hawkers and peddlers to provide proof of a sales permit from the division of taxation and two forms of identification, or a certification letter from a homeless shelter or transitional housing program, for licensing. It expands the definition of door-to-door salespersons to include those selling services and allows the town of Cumberland to license and regulate them similarly to hawkers and peddlers. The act will be effective upon passage.