The bill proposes amendments to the General Laws in Chapter 5-11, which pertains to "Hawkers and Peddlers." It introduces a new definition for "door-to-door salespersons" and updates the definitions of "hawker" and "peddler." The bill sets a retail value limit of $300 for items sold by hawkers or peddlers, with an exception for nonprofit corporations under 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3). It exempts certain individuals from these classifications, including those selling farm produce, flowers, or their own art or crafts, and mobile food establishments. The bill also allows the town of Cumberland to license and regulate door-to-door salespersons and outlines the powers of local authorities to issue and revoke licenses, impose penalties for unlicensed activities, and collect fees, with a maximum annual fee of $50.00. Exemptions from licensing are provided for individuals selling religious materials for non-profit motives or their own wearing apparel.

Additionally, the bill empowers city and town councils in various locations to issue and revoke licenses for hawkers and peddlers, with the ability to establish ordinances and set fees for these licenses. Councils can regulate the placement, duration, location, number, and operation of licenses, and may charge fees exceeding previously prescribed sums. Penalties for ordinance violations can be established, not exceeding $1,000, enforceable through municipal courts. The bill mandates that hawkers and peddlers provide proof of a retail sales permit and two forms of identification or certification of residency from a shelter or transitional housing. The act will take effect upon passage.