Rhode IslandH70832026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- GENERAL POWERS .

Sponsored By: Charlene Lima (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Cranston creates municipal and housing court

The law lets Cranston set up a municipal court and a housing division. The housing division hears zoning, housing, land-use, and state building-code cases in Cranston. If your case is in the housing division, you can appeal to Superior Court within 20 days. You get a new trial there. If you are convicted in the municipal court, you can appeal within five days. Most cases go to Superior Court. Minimum housing convictions go to District Court. You get a new trial there. The City Council can set court fees and rules and appoint judges and clerks. The law takes effect on passage.

Stronger housing-code enforcement in Cranston

The court can fine up to $500 per violation and jail up to 30 days. It can order repairs, make residents vacate, or demolish unsafe homes. It can place a property into receivership and clear some title problems. It can issue orders to stop or fix zoning, housing, and building-code violations. These powers help protect tenants and neighbors, but can add costs or risks for property owners. These rules apply to violations that happen in Cranston.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Charlene Lima
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

David A. Bennett
Democratic • House
Cherie L. Cruz
Democratic • House
Grace Diaz
Democratic • House
Arthur Handy
Democratic • House
Joseph M. McNamara
Democratic • House
Brandon C. Potter
Democratic • House
Enrique Sanchez
Democratic • House
Scott A. Slater
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 64 • No: 0

House vote • 4/16/2026

TOWNS & CITIES - GENERAL POWERS PASSAGE