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Rhode IslandH58042025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT RELATING TO HEATH AND SAFETY -- STATE BUILDING CODE .

Sponsored By: K. Joseph Shekarchi (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Building rules must protect disability access

The law repeals state and local building laws and rules that conflict with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Rhode Island’s building code committee must adopt rules consistent with the act’s Titles II and III. It must also update those rules when federal accessibility standards change. These requirements support building access for people with disabilities.

State contractors can request payment reviews

State contractors covered by section 37-2-38.1 can ask the building commissioner to review whether statutory payment-certification conditions are met. The commissioner must conduct the review and certify to the state controller when all those conditions are satisfied. This process does not guarantee payment or set a payment amount.

Updated safety rules for Rhode Island buildings

Rhode Island’s building code must set minimum rules for the location, design, construction, and installation of building-connected wells. Well installation, changes, and repairs count as building work when consistent with the state’s groundwater law. All electrical work must follow the latest National Electrical Code, including state amendments. Each edition takes effect July 1 of the year printed on it. Approved building codes and amendments must become fully enforceable within 90 days after committee approval.

Permit fees support online building services

The State Building Code Office must send all electronic permitting fees it collects to the Department of Business Regulation. The department must use this money for staff and to buy or lease and operate an online permitting system. The system serves the state and municipalities. This provision does not set a fee amount.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • K. Joseph Shekarchi

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Christopher R. Blazejewski

    Democratic • House

  • Stephen M. Casey

    Democratic • House

  • Megan L. Cotter

    Democratic • House

  • Matthew S. Dawson

    Democratic • House

  • Alex S. Finkelman

    Democratic • House

  • Raymond A. Hull

    Democratic • House

  • June Speakman

    Democratic • House

  • Jennifer A. Stewart

    Democratic • House

  • Teresa A. Tanzi

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 206 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/21/2025

RELATING TO HEATH AND SAFETY -- STATE BUILDING CODE Passage as Amended

Yes: 35 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/21/2025

RELATING TO HEATH AND SAFETY -- STATE BUILDING CODE Approval of Amendment

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 5/15/2025

STATE BUILDING CODE PASSAGE PASSAGE OF AMENDMENT

Yes: 68 • No: 0

House vote • 5/15/2025

STATE BUILDING CODE PASSAGE AS AMENDED

Yes: 69 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 276

    6/27/2025Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/23/2025Governor

  3. House passed Sub B as amended in concurrence

    6/21/2025House

  4. Placed on House Calendar (06/20/2025)

    6/21/2025House

  5. Senate passed Sub B as amended (floor amendment)

    6/21/2025Senate

  6. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/20/2025)

    6/18/2025Senate

  7. Committee recommends passage of Sub B

    6/18/2025

  8. Proposed Substitute

    6/17/2025

  9. Scheduled for consideration (06/18/2025)

    6/16/2025

  10. Referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government

    6/11/2025Senate

  11. House passed Sub A as amended (floor amendment)

    5/15/2025House

  12. Placed on House Calendar (05/15/2025)

    5/9/2025House

  13. Committee recommends passage of Sub A

    5/6/2025

  14. Proposed Substitute

    5/2/2025

  15. Scheduled for consideration (05/06/2025)

    5/2/2025

  16. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    3/20/2025

  17. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/20/2025)

    3/14/2025

  18. Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing

    2/27/2025House

Bill Text

  • H5804 - As Introduced

    2/27/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • H5804 - Substitute

    2/27/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • H5804 - Substitute As Amended

    2/27/2025

    HTMLPDF

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