Rhode Island Bills | MyRepTracker

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 24, 2026

SB 2800: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- ABANDONED PROPERTY

Provides that energy storage systems located on abandoned or contaminated property be permitted by right as a permitted use and not considered to have negative environmental impacts.

Topics ✓ Energy

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 24, 2026

SB 3155: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION

Exempts from taxation the property of the nonprofit Mount St. Rita Health Centre located in Cumberland, RI. The exemption would be effective as of December 31, 2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 24, 2026

SB 2975: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE-- PROCEDURE IN PARTICULAR ACTION -- SMALL CLAIMS AND CONSUMER CLAIMS

This bill modifies how filing fees are calculated for appeals in small claims and consumer cases, while also raising the maximum amount a defendant can claim in a compulsory counterclaim from $2,500 to $5,000. It requires plaintiffs and defendants to file written waivers of their right to appeal when initiating certain claims, and it establishes a special account to fund mediation services in small claims cases. Additionally, the bill removes the right to appeal for defendants who fail to respond to consumer product claims, making those judgments final. These changes would take effect on January 1, 2027.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 24, 2026

HB 8294: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- ABANDONED PROPERTY

This bill modifies the state's abandoned property laws to allow for the sale of buildings and properties that have been declared public nuisances, with specific provisions for installing energy storage systems. When a court orders the sale of such properties, it can require the buyer to install an energy storage system as a condition of the sale, and these systems would be automatically permitted under local zoning rules without additional environmental reviews. The legislation also establishes a priority system for distributing sale proceeds, giving preference to buyers who commit to affordable housing, owner-occupancy restrictions, or energy storage installation. These changes apply to properties under receivership where public nuisance abatement has been completed or approved, affecting municipalities, receivers, and potential property buyers.

Topics ✓ Energy

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 24, 2026

HB 8348: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION

Exempts from taxation the property of the nonprofit Mount St. Rita Health Centre located in Cumberland, RI. The exemption would be effective as of December 31, 2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 24, 2026

SB 2429: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- DUTIES OF UTILITIES AND CARRIERS

Requires all public utilities to maintain a customer service facility within the state to perform services such as addressing customer inquiries and accepting bill payments.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 24, 2026

SB 2475: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- MAINTENANCE OF PRIVATE EASEMENTS AND RIGHTS-OF-WAY

SB 2475 modifies how owners of properties with private access easements share the costs of maintaining those paths. The bill requires that, unless a specific written agreement says otherwise, all benefited property owners split maintenance expenses based on the benefit each property receives, rather than using the property's market value or tax assessment to calculate that share. It also clarifies that any owner who directly damages an easement must pay for the repairs alone and allows other owners to take legal action if someone refuses to pay their fair share or fix damage. This change affects residential property owners who rely on shared driveways or paths and aims to create a clearer, more equitable system for dividing upkeep responsibilities.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 24, 2026

HB 7638: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- RIGHT-OF-WAY

Amends the general law relative to right-of-way of pedestrians to reference the schedule of violations for the adjudication of traffic offenses contained in § 31.41.1-4.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 24, 2026

SB 2576: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES

SB 2576 allows the town of Tiverton to apply different tax rates to five defined property classes, directly affecting local homeowners, businesses, and property owners. The bill creates categories including residential properties (with optional homestead exemptions), commercial/industrial real estate, personal property, and mobile homes, requiring uniform rates within each class. This change gives Tiverton flexibility to adjust tax burdens across property types while maintaining consistent application within each category.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 24, 2026

HB 7643: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE-- PROCEDURE IN PARTICULAR ACTION -- SMALL CLAIMS AND CONSUMER CLAIMS

HB 7643 simplifies small claims and consumer court appeal procedures by changing filing fees and clarifying rules. It increases the maximum amount for compulsory counterclaims from $2,500 to $5,000 and requires a $75 appeal fee (including processing fees), with $20 of that fee directed to a new "small claims mediation fund" for court mediation services. The bill also specifies that in consumer cases where a defendant defaults (fails to respond), the judgment becomes final and the defendant loses all appeal rights. This affects individuals and businesses involved in small claims or consumer disputes handled by district courts, effective January 1, 2027.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 24, 2026

HB 7763: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- MAINTENANCE OF PRIVATE EASEMENTS AND RIGHTS-OF-WAY

HB 7763 changes how owners of properties with shared driveways or access paths split the cost of keeping them in good condition. Under the new rules, if there is no written agreement, all owners sharing the easement must pay for maintenance based on how much each property benefits, rather than using the property's market value or tax assessment to decide the share. The law also clarifies that any owner who damages the path is solely responsible for fixing that specific damage, and it allows other owners to take legal action if someone refuses to pay their share or perform repairs. This update applies to residential properties and ensures that maintenance responsibilities are calculated by usage benefit instead of property worth.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 24, 2026

HB 7654: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE AND SALE

Allows for sending of the notice under power of sale and rights of active military servicemembers by USPS First Class Mail and/or an overnight delivery service, instead of by USPS certified mail return receipt requested.