Rhode Island § 11-9-16 - Children
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 11-9-16 — Children, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 11-9-16. Children
R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-9-16
§ 11-9-16. Plastic bags — Labeling.
(a) “Plastic bag” means a polyethylene bag, other than one used for food products weighing not more than five (5) pounds, intended for household use or for packaging articles intended for household use, which is larger than five inches (5″) in diameter at the opened end, and is made of thin film less than one mil (0.001 inch) in thickness (according to standards established under the commodity standards division of the United States Department of Commerce).
(b) No person shall package, deliver or sell any article for use in or around the household in a plastic bag, or shall sell or distribute any plastic bag for use in or around the household, unless the bag bears a warning against the hazard of suffocation by children in the following or substantially equivalent wording:
“Keep from children — may cause suffocation”
“WARNING: Keep this bag away from babies and children. Do not use in cribs, beds, carriages, or playpens. The thin film may cling to nose and mouth and prevent breathing.”
(c) The warning shall be printed on, attached to, or accompany each bag; provided, that it shall be permissible to print the warning on the outside wrapper of packages of bags intended only for home processing use, such as freezer bags and garbage disposal bags, in lieu of on each individual bag. The warning shall be conspicuously displayed in bold face type, in accordance with the following table:
| Total of the length and width of the bag, combined | Font Size |
| 60 inches or more ......................................... | 24 points |
| 40 inches, but less than 60 inches ......................................... | 18 points |
| 30 inches, but less than 40 inches ......................................... | 14 points |
| Less than 30 inches ......................................... | 10 points |
(d) Any person who shall violate the provisions of this section shall upon conviction be fined not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100).
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 82, § 1; P.L. 1960, ch. 171, § 1.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 11-9-16
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 11-9-16 cover?
Section 11-9-16 ("Children") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 11-9-16?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 11-9-16" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 11-9-16 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.