H 7074Roads & Highways

Highways - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads

This legislation requires the Department of Transportation to plant native, pollinator-friendly vegetation along state roads and highways.

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Introduced Jan 14, 2026Committee House Environment and Natural Resources

Plain-English Summary

This bill updates the rules for how the Department of Transportation (DOT) handles landscaping along state roads. It requires the DOT to plant native species that are friendly to pollinators, such as bees, whenever they are planting trees or shrubs for beautification. The DOT must consult with experts like beekeepers and horticulturists to choose the right plants and locations. These projects will be paid for using existing highway funds that aren't currently needed for road construction or maintenance. The bill also ensures these activities comply with federal standards.

For younger readers

This new rule helps nature while making our roads look nice. When the people in charge of the roads (the Department of Transportation) plant trees and bushes, they now have to try to plant special flowers and plants that help "pollinators." Pollinators are little creatures like bees and butterflies that move pollen between flowers to help them grow. The road workers have to talk to bee experts to figure out which plants are the best to use. This helps keep the bees happy and healthy using money the state already has for roads.

Who & Where It Applies

Impacted groups

Department of TransportationApiaristsHorticulturistsEnvironmental Advocacy GroupsRoadside Maintenance Contractors

Impacted communities

All

Constitutional & Fiscal Check

None Likely

Estimated cost

None

Estimated revenue

None

Bill Analysis

Both viewpoints

For Progressives

Promotes environmental sustainability and biodiversity by mandating the use of native plant species that support declining pollinator populations.
Encourages science-based governance by requiring the Department of Transportation to consult with certified professionals like apiarists and horticulturists.
Utilizes existing public funds to create ecological value alongside infrastructure, maximizing the public benefit of government spending without raising new taxes.
Contains vague language such as "when appropriate," which could allow the Department of Transportation to bypass these requirements and maintain the status quo.
Funding is contingent on money "not otherwise needed" for road construction, meaning environmental efforts could be defunded if construction costs rise.
Fails to address broader threats to pollinators, such as the use of pesticides or herbicides by the state on these same roadsides.

For Conservatives

Ensures that the beautification projects are funded through existing highway appropriations rather than creating new taxes or fees for residents.
Focuses on native species, which are often lower maintenance and more cost-effective in the long run compared to non-native ornamental plants.
Mandates compliance with existing federal code (23 U.S.C. 332), ensuring the state adheres to established laws and standards rather than creating arbitrary new rules.
Expands the scope of the Department of Transportation to include environmental management, potentially distracting from its core mission of maintaining safe roads.
Adds bureaucratic red tape by requiring consultations with various outside "experts" before planting can occur, likely slowing down projects.
Prioritizes environmental signaling over practical infrastructure needs by legally mandating specific types of plantings regardless of local aesthetic preference.

Votes

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Full Bill Text

Changes to existing Rhode Island law · 12 additions · 1 deletion

SECTION 1. Section 24-8-11 of the General Laws in Chapter 24-8 entitled "Construction and Maintenance of State Roads" is hereby amended to read as follows: 24-8-11. Beautification.

(a) The department of transportation is hereby authorized and empowered to plant trees, shrubs and otherwise beautify the area within the limits of a road, including state highways in a manner and at locations as the department may deem advisable,. Plantings shall include pollinator- friendly native species when appropriate and the cost of the work shall be paid from moneys, appropriated for highway purposes, not otherwise needed for the construction, reconstruction and maintenance of state roads and bridges; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of such sums as may from time to time be required, upon receipt by him or her of proper vouchers approved by the director of transportation. The department shall seek suggestions from apiarists, horticulturists and other certified professionals to identify the appropriate types of plants and locations that benefit pollinators. For the purposes of this section "pollinators" means insects to include, but not be limited to, bees that help carry pollen from the male part of the flower to the female part of the same or another flower.

(b) Any and all activities performed by the department of transportation to benefit pollinators on roadsides and state highways shall be in compliance with § 23 U.S.C. 332.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.