The bill amends Chapter 2-23 of the General Laws, titled "Right to Farm," by introducing a new section, 2-23-8, which specifically addresses the keeping of domestic chickens, or hens. Under this new provision, residents are permitted to keep hens primarily for the purpose of raising them and collecting the eggs produced, with restrictions that prohibit the commercial slaughter and sale of hens. The bill outlines specific regulations regarding the number of hens allowed based on lot size, requiring one hen per 800 square feet of total lot area, with a maximum of ten hens per lot. Additionally, it mandates that hens must be kept in backyards or side yards, prohibits the keeping of roosters, and sets forth detailed requirements for the construction and maintenance of hen coops and runs to ensure the health and safety of the animals.

The legislation specifies that the owner of the hens must be a resident of the dwelling on the lot, and it establishes various standards for the coop and run, including size, location, and sanitation requirements. It also emphasizes that private property restrictions, such as deed restrictions and neighborhood association by-laws, take precedence over the provisions of this section. Furthermore, individual cities and towns are granted the authority to modify, by ordinance, any limits established by this section. This act will take effect upon passage.