Rhode Island
Strange Things That Are Actually Illegal in Rhode Island
Every state in America has their owns general laws. Those rules and regulations residents must follow or face legal actions.
But not every law on the books still makes sense. Some might have you wondering if they ever made sense.
In Rhode Island, there are about a dozen laws left on the books that make you wonder how they became a law in the first place. Or why such a law was ever actually needed.
With New England being some of the oldest states in the nation, it’s no surprise that their list of strange laws is kind of long – and some are extremely specific to the coastal area.
In Massachusetts, for example, it’s illegal to use tomatoes in the production of clam chowder. (Keep it classic apparently.)
In Connecticut it’s against the law to go clamming at night.
New Hampshire has laws against raking a beach without a permit and picking up seaweed from a beach.
In Vermont there is no whistling underwater allowed and in Maine, one cannot have Christmas decorations up past January 14th.
While these laws may make total sense to the residents of the specific town they were passed for or at one time seemed like the right thing to prevent, today they just sound a little weird.
But several Rhode Island laws really take the cake when it comes to strange.
Some of these laws stem from the strict blue laws the Ocean State has had in place since colonial days, while others seem newer, though just as odd.
Here are the weirdest laws still on the books in Rhode Island.
15 of the Weirdest Laws in Rhode Island
The world has changed and yet some laws have stayed the same.
These are some of the strangest laws still on the books in Rhode Island.
Gallery Credit: Nancy Hall
Massachusetts Laws You Don’t Even Know You’re Breaking
There are a lot of strange laws still on the books in Massachusetts, many that also carry actual punishments and fines. Though we’re pretty sure no one has been arrested for the crimes we’re about to list, we’re also pretty sure you have violated at least one of these laws in the last month or so.
Gallery Credit: Nancy Hall
These Common Plants Are Illegal in Massachusetts
Massachusetts plant lovers, beware! Many of our most recognizable flora are actually common because they are super successful invaders, and are taking out our native plants.
The state has made it illegal to sell, grow, spread or propagate them — trust us, they don’t need any help. Here’s a list of some of the most widely known plants that actually don’t belong here.
Gallery Credit: Kate Robinson
(WJAR) — Thirty-two years ago was the commissioning of a Navy submarine named after the Ocean State.
Maria Stephanos was on board the USS Rhode Island on July 9, 1994.
Rhode Island was the Navy’s 15th Trident class ballistic submarine.
It was commissioned in Newport and was the first to be christened in its namesake state.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — They come from all walks of life, including many professionals in the community, taking time out of their busy days to welcome students to school with enthusiasm and handshakes.
“We learn a lot of new handshakes, too,” Kobi Dennis said. “High-fives. Pounds with an explosion. We get a little bit of everything.”
It’s the Handshake Initiative, the brainchild of now Central Falls Police Chief Anthony Roberson.
Everybody can use some encouragement, and students in Rhode Island get that the minute they head toward the school building.
Initially, the students and parents didn’t know what to think.
“I was confused because I thought it was going to be a normal day,” said one student.
“Their parents were getting out of their cars trying to see what’s going on,” Reservoir Avenue School Principal Cynthia Torres said.
But now, they crave it.
“It makes me feel motivated,” another student said.
Dennis adds in an etiquette component.
“Teaching the kids how to shake hands, look one another in the eyes with a firm grip — girl or guy — firm grip and say ‘hello’ and introduce yourself, that’s part of the initiative as well,” Dennis said.
Providence school superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez said it sends a strong message.
“We hear you, we see you, and we’re here for you,” Montañez said.
Torres strategically uses them on standardized test days.
“They say, ‘I’m going to do really good today,’” she said.
“It makes me feel encouraged to do better in school,” a student said.
They’ve connected with thousands of students across Rhode Island.
“It’s about shaking hands and building relationships, but it’s also about letting young people know that there are professionals in the community cheering for them every single day,” Dennis said.
Do you know of a nonprofit organization or volunteers doing great work in your community? Fill out a short nomination form for “Community Treasures.”
A man was critically hurt in a stabbing in Providence on Tuesday, NBC affiliate WJAR-TV reports.
Police were first called to Smith Street around 7 p.m. for the reported stabbing. They found the victim on Chalkstone Avenue.
He was taken to the hospital where he remains in critical condition.
The case remains under investigation and no arrests were announced.
-
Culture35 minutes ago
Which Version of the ‘Odyssey’ Should You Read?
-
Lifestyle38 minutes agoTerry Tempest Williams on why women with big ideas get labeled ‘crazy’ : Wild Card with Rachel Martin
-
Technology50 minutes agoGoogle’s Nest Thermostat has hit its best price of the year
-
World53 minutes agoArgentinian flight instructor jumps to death from plane, 22-year-old student forced to land alone
-
Politics58 minutes agoOmar’s disclosures erased millions, leaving her with potential negative net worth. She won’t explain why.
-
Health1 hour agoDr Oz links obesity to chronic disease surge, says GLP-1s can ‘jumpstart’ better health
-
Sports1 hour agoPirates star pitcher makes unfortunate history after being taken out in middle of perfect game bid
-
Technology1 hour agoMedical identity theft follows you into the doctor’s office
