Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 26, 2026

HB 7851: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM LAW

HB 7851 requires condominium associations to conduct structural surveys and reserve studies, fund reserves at 15% of annual operating costs, and develop repair plans. It directly affects condominium associations by mandating these financial and structural planning requirements. Key provisions include regular structural assessments, annual reserve studies to ensure adequate funding, and specific 15% reserve contribution rates. The bill aims to improve long-term property maintenance and financial transparency for condo owners.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 26, 2026

HB 7854: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM LAW

HB 7854 updates condominium laws to improve transparency for condo owners and management. It requires clearer financial reporting and communication about building decisions, such as maintenance costs and rule changes. The bill also establishes a neutral ombudsman position to help resolve disputes between condo owners and board members. This directly affects all condominium associations and their residents across the state.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 26, 2026

HB 7874: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- OVERSIGHT AND REGULATION OF MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES

HB 7874 establishes oversight of condominium management committees and property management companies by the Department of Business Regulation. It requires these groups to file annual registrations with the department and local land records, including board member details, budgets, reserve studies, and pending litigation. The bill mandates financial transparency, prohibits mismanagement of funds (like commingling money), and grants unit owners the right to inspect project records. Violations can lead to department investigations, fines, or corrective orders, with criminal matters referred to the attorney general. This applies to all condominium projects existing on or after July 1, 2026.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 26, 2026

HB 7979: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- MAIL BALLOTS

Amends the procedures for the marking and certification of mail ballots by prohibiting anyone but the voter or certain persons close to the voter from handling the mail ballot.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 26, 2026

HB 8107: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- BY POSSESSION AND PRESCRIPTION

HB 8107 repeals a specific property law (§ 34-7-4) that allowed individuals to gain legal rights to public footways (like sidewalks) through long-term, unauthorized use. This change directly affects property owners, local governments managing public rights-of-way, and anyone involved in disputes over footway ownership. The bill makes no new rules but removes an existing provision about how property rights could be acquired through possession. It is a procedural change to clarify or eliminate outdated property law. (1 sentence)

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 26, 2026

HB 7978: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- GENERAL PROVISIONS

Redefines "political party" and defines and distinguishes between "major parties" and "minor parties" based on the total number of votes a party's candidate received in the previous election.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 26, 2026

HB 7852: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM OWNERSHIP

Clarifies how condominium insurance deductibles and unpaid losses are divided between associations and unit owners, require owners to insure units if associations do not, and allow boards to manage and use insurance proceeds for repairs.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 26, 2026

HB 8052: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY--CAUSES OF ACTION

HB 8052 creates a new legal claim for individuals harmed by artificial intelligence systems, allowing them to sue responsible parties in court. It directly affects people injured by AI applications, such as those causing physical harm or financial loss through faulty AI decisions. The bill establishes clear procedures for filing these lawsuits within civil court systems. Currently introduced to the House Judiciary committee (as of February 27, 2026), it has not yet been voted on or passed. This is a substantive policy change, not a procedural measure.

Topics ✓ Technology

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 26, 2026

SB 2697: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- REAL ESTATE CONVEYANCE TAX

Allows a municipality to set its own conveyance tax rate for residential properties sold in excess of $900,000.00 at $10 per $500. Provides collected taxes to be in a restricted account and distributed within 2 years for affordable housing.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 26, 2026

SB 2691: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING

Eliminates mandated housing densities/density bonuses for public drinking water supply watersheds/groundwater. Requires densities not exceed water availability, introduce pollution, stay within public water or sewer system capacity limits.

Topics ✓ Environment ✗ Housing

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 26, 2026

HB 8047: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- DECISIONS, SPECIAL FINDINGS AND ASSESSMENT OF DAMAGES

HB 8047 adds the doctrine of "assumption of risk" to the state's comparative negligence law. This means defendants in civil negligence cases could argue that a plaintiff knowingly and voluntarily accepted a specific risk of harm. The bill would directly affect individuals filing or defending against personal injury lawsuits by changing how fault is assessed in cases involving known dangers. It is a substantive legal change to civil procedure, not a procedural or commemorative measure. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House Judiciary Committee.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 26, 2026

HB 8102: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- CAPACITY TO HOLD REAL ESTATE

Precludes a legal entity from owning property whose value is over $25,000,000. If the property value exceeds $25,000,000, then the entity must divest a graduated yearly amount over the next 10 years, until value is less than $25,000,000.

Bill results