The bill amends the General Laws in Chapter 5-11, which pertains to "Hawkers and Peddlers," by updating definitions and clarifying the scope of who is considered a hawker, peddler, or door-to-door salesperson. It expands the definition of goods to include services and sets a retail value limit of $300 for items sold by these individuals, with an exception for nonprofit corporations recognized under 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3). The bill exempts certain individuals from being classified as hawkers or peddlers, such as those selling farm produce, flowers, or their own art or crafts, as well as mobile food establishments. It also grants specific towns and cities the authority to license and regulate these individuals, with the power to issue and revoke licenses, impose penalties for unlicensed activities, and set a maximum license fee of $50, except for certain towns that can charge up to $500 per year. Additionally, the bill exempts individuals selling religious materials or wearing apparel made by their own hands from the licensing requirement and allows for the discretionary issuance of licenses on state highways on July 4th.

The bill specifically authorizes the councils of Providence, Pawtucket, Tiverton, Warwick, West Warwick, Burrillville, and Richmond to regulate hawkers and peddlers, including setting fees and penalties for violations, with fines up to one thousand dollars. It requires hawkers and peddlers to provide proof of a sales permit and two forms of identification, with an alternative for residents of homeless shelters or transitional housing programs. The definition of door-to-door salespersons is expanded to include those selling services, and the town of Cumberland is authorized to license and regulate them in the same manner as hawkers and peddlers. The act will take effect upon passage.