SR 831

This bill establishes an 11-member special legislative commission to study the threats that nuclear weapons pose to Rhode Island and develop recommendations for protecting the state from nuclear attack and its consequences. The commission, whose members will be appointed by various state officials and must reflect Rhode Island's demographic diversity, is tasked with investigating the physical, environmental, economic, and societal impacts of potential nuclear weapons use—including effects from attacks on nearby cities like Boston or New York City—and examining measures to transition away from nuclear weapons-related employment within the state. The commission will also explore how Rhode Island can contribute to global nuclear disarmament efforts under existing international treaties, with a final report due by August 6, 2026, after which the commission will dissolve on November 6, 2026.