Rhode Island is once again attempting to ban the sale of parrots in pet stores with a bill that not all bird lovers are happy to see.
The bill, H7334, would make it illegal for pet stores to sell psittacine birds (parrots, parakeets, lovebirds and 400 other species) obtained from breeders or brokers. The intent is to address breeding concerns as well as overburden shelters when impulse buy parrots are surrendered.
While those sound like noble ideas, not everyone in Rhode Island’s avian community thinks this bill should pass.
What is Rhode Island House Bill H7334?
The H7334 bill, introduced on January 28, 2026, by Rep. Megan Cotter, an Exeter Democrat, would make it illegal for pet stores to sell psittacine birds obtained through breeders or brokers.
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It does have provisions that allow for adoption events at pet stores where parrots and other birds can be placed in homes, but those birds must be sourced from animal care facilities or animal rescues.
How is RI H7334 Different From Previous Bills?
The new bird bill proposed in the Rhode Island House is very similar to a bill that was proposed by Rep. Cotter in January 2025. That bill, H5214, died in committee last June after the House Committee on Corporations recommended it be held for further study…