The bill amends Chapter 4-11 of the General Laws regarding the sale of psittacine birds, specifically parrots, by introducing a new section, 4-11-14. This section prohibits pet stores from selling or offering for sale parrots procured from breeders or brokers. Pet stores are allowed to host adoption events for parrots sourced from animal care facilities or animal rescue organizations, provided that the name of the source is clearly displayed next to the enclosures of the parrots during the event.

Pet stores are granted a one-year grace period to sell any parrots already in their possession as of the effective date of the law, but they are prohibited from acquiring new parrots from breeders or brokers during this time. The bill also establishes penalties for violations, imposing fines of $1,000 for each unlawful sale or offer, and $1,500 for pet stores that acquire additional birds during the grace period.

Additionally, the bill outlines requirements for individuals and businesses selling birds that are not classified as agricultural, mandating that they provide written notice to purchasers with specific information about the breeder or broker. A contract entered into after January 1, 2027, to transfer ownership of a bird is considered void if it requires a nonrefundable deposit or does not provide the required information.

An advisory committee consisting of representatives from Foster Parrots, Ltd. and Rhode Island Parrot Rescue will assist pet stores in compliance with the new regulations and confirm that parrots are no longer sold in stores after the grace period. The committee will remain in effect for eighteen months after the effective date of this section and will issue an implementation status report at the end of its term. The act will take effect upon passage.