The Rhode Island “setback” bill (5425-A) seeks to standardize wetlands and onsite system regulations by authorizing the state Department of Environmental Management to establish them. It also would require municipalities to ensure their standards do not exceed those set by the state. The bill also creates a task force to draft the legislation.

A proposed bill being studied by the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources would require property owners to replace cesspools with onsite systems or sewer tie-ins within one year of the properties’ sale.