The proposed bill, titled "The Trade In Farmed Animal Fur Products Act," aims to prohibit the sale, display, or distribution of fur products sourced from animals raised on fur farms within the State of Rhode Island. The bill introduces a new chapter, CHAPTER 61, to Title 6 of the General Laws, which includes definitions for terms such as "fur," "fur farm," and "fur product." It specifies that violations of this act will be treated as civil infractions, with penalties increasing for repeated offenses. Notably, the bill allows for exemptions for used fur products and those authorized by federal law.
In addition to the prohibitions, the bill empowers the attorney general to enforce its provisions and seek injunctive relief against violators. It establishes a rebuttable presumption that any fur product contains fur sourced from a fur farm, thereby placing the burden of proof on the seller. The act is set to take effect three years after its passage, allowing time for implementation and public awareness. Overall, the bill seeks to promote animal welfare, reduce public health risks, and enhance the state's reputation by eliminating the demand for farmed fur products.