Chapter 180

2014 – H 7446 SUBSTITUTE A

Enacted 06/27/14

A N   A C T

RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- STATE EMBLEMS

Introduced By: Representatives McNamara, Tanzi, Walsh, Ruggiero, and Costantino

Date Introduced: February 12, 2014

 

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

 

SECTION 1. Legislative findings—The legislature finds and declares that:

(1) Rhode Island is the east coast capital of squid, and accounts for more than fifty-four percent (54%) of squid landings in the Northeast; and

(2) Squid is to Rhode Island what lobster is to Maine and cod is to Massachusetts; and

(3) More pounds of squid are brought to store in Rhode Island than any other seafood; and

(4) Rhode Island has the largest squid-fishing fleet on the East Coast; and

(5) The fishing, hospitality, and tourism industry is crucial to the economy of the state; and

(6) Rhode Island has some of the finest restaurants in the country; and

(7) The appetizer known as “Rhode Island-style calamari” (squid) is prepared and served nationwide; and

(8) The legislature hereby declares it is in the best interest of the state and its local economy to officially recognize the importance of the squid fishing industry to our economy and the unique and delicious appetizer know as calamari.

SECTION 2. Chapter 42-4 of the General Laws entitled "State Emblems" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

42-4-19. State appetizer. -- Calamari is hereby designated as the official state appetizer for the state.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon passage.

========
LC003007/SUB A
========