Rhode Island General Laws Title 23. Health and Safety § 23-26-17. Sterilization of second-hand “as is” articles--Contents of tag

No complete second-hand article of bedding, or piece of second-hand upholstered furniture, which has not been remade or renovated, shall be sold “as is” without first being sterilized by a process approved by the director of business regulation.  The original tag shall be removed by the vendor who shall attach a tag stating that the article is “second-hand--contents unknown”;  but this requirement shall not apply to articles sold at public auction, to the sale of antique furniture, or to a private sale from the home of the owner (not being a manufacturer or dealer in bedding) direct to the purchaser.