2022 Rhode Island General Laws
Title 11 - Criminal Offenses
Chapter 11-9 - Children
Section 11-9-13.8.1. - Signs concerning the health effects of tobacco.
§ 11-9-13.8.1. Signs concerning the health effects of tobacco.
Signs provided by the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals, or an exact duplicate of it made privately, shall:
(1) Contain in red bold lettering a minimum of one-quarter of an inch (¼″) high on a white background the following wording, in both English and Spanish:
WARNING: SMOKING CIGARETTES CONTRIBUTES TO LUNG DISEASE, CANCER, HEART DISEASE, STROKE AND RESPIRATORY ILLNESS AND DURING PREGNANCY MAY RESULT IN LOW BIRTH WEIGHT AND PREMATURE BIRTH.
(2) The signs shall also include information regarding resources available to Rhode Island residents who would like to quit smoking.
(3) The signs shall be displayed prominently for public view wherever tobacco products are sold at each cash register, each tobacco vending machine, or any other place from which tobacco products are sold. The signs shall be electronically available in both English and Spanish online at the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals’ website.
(4) The department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals shall have the power and authority to develop and disseminate signs pursuant to the requirements of this section for other tobacco products, including electronic nicotine-delivery system products. The messaging included in the signs shall be based on the most current scientific evidence.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 336, § 2; P.L. 2013, ch. 429, § 2; P.L. 2021, ch. 204, § 1, effective July 7, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 205, § 1, effective July 7, 2021.
