Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 4, 2025

HB 5980: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE EDUCATION EQUITY AND PROPERTY TAX RELIEF ACT

HB 5980 amends state education funding to cover transportation costs for homeless students attending out-of-district public schools. It directly affects school districts that transport homeless students to non-public schools outside their district boundaries. The bill creates a dedicated funding stream to reimburse districts for these specific transportation expenses, with funds prorated if demand exceeds available funding. This provision aims to reduce financial burdens on districts serving homeless students while ensuring equitable access to education.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 4, 2025

HB 5965: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES

HB 5965 would authorize Cranston's city council to create a homestead exemption program, allowing residential property owners to reduce their local property tax bill by up to 20% of their home's assessed value. This exemption would apply only to properties used exclusively for single-family residential purposes (with fewer than three dwelling units) and requires the city council to establish specific eligibility rules. The bill does not automatically implement the exemption but grants Cranston the legal authority to adopt such a program through local ordinance. It would take effect on December 31, 2025, if passed. This bill directly affects Cranston homeowners who own qualifying single-family residences.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 4, 2025

HB 5823: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM LAW

Voids any provision in a condominium declaration or bylaw that would limit an increase in annual assessments relative to a percentage of the prior year's assessment.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 4, 2025

HB 5330: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM LAW

Provides that amendments to §§ 34-36.1-1.03 and 34-36.1-3.08 are applicable to condominiums created before July 1, 1982, provides a definition for the term “special assessment” and allows unit owners to participate in association meetings remotely.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 4, 2025

HB 5825: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM LAW

Restricts increases in monthly common expenses and limit special assessments to cover unforeseen costs not included in condo association’s approved annual budget for common expenses in associations where the minority of the units are deed-restricted units

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 4, 2025

SB 349: AN ACT RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- ABANDONMENT BY TOWNS

Allows for a qualified abandonment of public town roads which grants a public easement over said road allowing it to be converted to walking, biking, and hiking trails and access to parks, nature preserves and other recreational facilities.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 4, 2025

HR 5810: JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY BLOCKCHAIN AND CRYPTOCURRENCY

Creates a 7-member commission to for proposals encouraging a positive economic environment for blockchain and cryptocurrency, and would submit an interim report by January 5, 2026, a final report by January 5, 2027, and expires on February 5, 2027.

Topics ✓ Technology

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 4, 2025

HB 5564: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND ECONOMIC GROWTH BLOCKCHAIN ACT

HB 5564 establishes a regulatory framework for blockchain technology and digital assets in Rhode Island to support economic growth. It creates special "depository banks" authorized to safely handle digital assets and virtual currency, addressing current banking access barriers for blockchain innovators. The bill also mandates a "regulatory sandbox" allowing tech companies to test new products under flexible rules while complying with anti-money laundering and customer identification requirements. This directly affects blockchain businesses, financial institutions, and state agencies by enabling secure digital record-keeping and fostering new business opportunities in the technology sector.

Topics ✓ Technology

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 4, 2025

HB 5591: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- VEHICLE BARRIERS -- THE CHARLOTTE A. VACCA ACT

Requires commercial property owners to install vehicle barriers at their retail establishment locations when new construction are being done and permits insurers to consider the installation to provide a discount on the owner's insurance policy.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 4, 2025

HB 5824: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM LAW

HB 5824 requires condominium associations managing properties with structural common elements (like roofs or elevators) costing at least $20,000 to replace to obtain and follow certified reserve studies. These studies, prepared by licensed Rhode Island architects or engineers, must list specific elements needing future repair/replacement, estimate costs, and break down monthly unit fees. Associations must maintain a separate reserve fund (not the operating fund) fully funded (100%) by July 2027 for these identified expenses, and cannot use reserve funds for other purposes. This directly affects all qualifying condo associations in Rhode Island, ensuring long-term financial planning for major repairs.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 4, 2025

HB 5566: AN ACT RELATING TO CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, AND PARTNERSHIPS -- THE RHODE ISLAND LIMITED-LIABILITY COMPANY ACT

Permits a member or members of a limited-liability company to avoid dissolution by buying the membership interest owned by the other member or members seeking dissolution.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 4, 2025

HB 5693: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ORDINANCES

Allows municipalities to seek recovery of fines associated with ordinance violations by permitting the municipality to include the fines on a property tax bill.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

Bill results