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Rhode IslandH77772026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- GENERAL POWERS--WARWICK MUNICIPAL COURT .

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

Court can destroy impounded vehicles

If your vehicle is impounded under a city impoundment ordinance allowed by state law, the court can order it destroyed. You could lose the car and its value. Replacing a car can be very costly.

Stronger housing code fixes and orders

For housing cases, the court can stop violations and order repairs. It can require tenants to leave unsafe homes or order demolition of dangerous buildings. The court can also use Rhode Island’s abandoned‑property rules. Tenants gain safer homes, while owners may face large repair costs or loss of a building.

No jail and $500 fine cap

The municipal court can fine up to $500 for each violation. Two violations can mean up to $1,000. The court can no longer send people to jail.

Warwick court handles zoning and housing cases

Warwick’s municipal court now hears local zoning, housing, and building-code cases. If you are convicted of a non-housing offense, you must appeal to Superior Court within 5 days for a new trial. If you are convicted of minimum housing or chapter 24.3 offenses, you must appeal to the District Court’s Third Division within 5 days for a new trial. The short 5‑day deadline applies to all these appeals.

How Warwick's municipal court runs

The mayor appoints the municipal judge with city council approval. The city council sets how the court runs and a schedule of court fees and costs. The court can give oaths, require witnesses to come to court, and punish contempt. These rules take effect upon passage.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 65 • No: 0

House vote • 4/16/2026

POWERS--WARWICK MUNICIPAL COURT PASSAGE

Yes: 65 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective without Governor's signature — Chapter 072

    6/11/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/3/2026Governor

  3. Senate passed in concurrence

    6/3/2026Senate

  4. Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (06/03/2026)

    5/29/2026Senate

  5. Committee recommends passage in concurrence

    5/28/2026

  6. Scheduled for consideration (05/28/2026)

    5/26/2026

  7. Referred to Senate Judiciary

    5/1/2026Senate

  8. House read and passed

    4/16/2026House

  9. Placed on House Calendar (04/16/2026)

    4/10/2026House

  10. Committee recommends passage

    4/7/2026

  11. Scheduled for consideration (04/07/2026)

    4/3/2026

  12. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    3/17/2026

  13. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2026)

    3/13/2026

  14. Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing

    2/12/2026House

Bill Text

  • H7777 - As Introduced

    2/12/2026

    HTMLPDF

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