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RI H7514
Bill
Status
2/6/2026
Primary Sponsor
Grace Diaz
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AI Summary
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Requires "covered suppliers" (those selling over $6 billion annually in grocery goods) to offer the same terms of sale to all retailers and wholesalers purchasing on the same volume unit basis
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Defines "dominant covered retailers" as those with over $18 billion in annual retail sales and storefronts in more than 20 states, prohibiting them from coercing suppliers into offering preferential pricing
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Mandates covered suppliers provide anonymized contract terms within 14 days upon request from retailers or wholesalers, covering deals with dominant retailers from the prior 180 days
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Establishes enforcement through the Attorney General or injured parties, with civil penalties up to 1.5 times actual damages or the pricing differential suffered
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Provides defenses for price differences based on genuine efficiencies like self-distribution, voluntary acceptance of different terms, or sales of perishable/seasonal/discontinued goods
Legislative Description
Creates a new chapter to protect Rhode Island consumers from coercive tactics at grocery stores.
Commercial Law
Last Action
Committee recommended measure be held for further study
3/3/2026