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Rhode IslandH80282026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- DAM MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS .

Sponsored By: David J. Place (Republican)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Tax break for Pascoag and Wilson's Reservoir

The law lets Burrillville and Glocester pass local laws to exempt certain dam district property from local property taxes. It covers the Pascoag Reservoir (Echo Lake) lake bed and land with its dam, spillway, and related structures. In Burrillville, it also covers Wilson's Reservoir lakebed and parcels map 138 lot 041, map 016 lot 038, and map 156 lot 064, plus its dam and related structures. The property must be owned by a Dam Management District created under state law. The exemption only applies if the town adopts the ordinance. The act takes effect upon passage.

Burrillville can collect dam fees like taxes

In Burrillville, Dam Management District fees are now collected the same way as town property taxes. The district fee collector has the same powers as the town tax collector. This strengthens enforcement for unpaid district fees. Property owners in the district face stronger collection tools if they do not pay. The act takes effect upon passage.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • David J. Place

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Brian C. Newberry

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 107 • No: 1

Senate vote • 6/11/2026

RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- DAM MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS In Concurrence

Yes: 38 • No: 0

House vote • 6/10/2026

DAM MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS PASSAGE

Yes: 69 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective without Governor's signature — Chapter 349

    6/24/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/16/2026Governor

  3. Senate passed Sub A in concurrence

    6/11/2026Senate

  4. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/11/2026)

    6/10/2026Senate

  5. House passed Sub A

    6/10/2026House

  6. Placed on House Calendar (06/10/2026)

    6/8/2026House

  7. Committee recommends passage of Sub A

    6/8/2026

  8. Proposed Substitute

    6/5/2026

  9. Scheduled for consideration (06/08/2026)

    6/5/2026

  10. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    3/5/2026

  11. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/05/2026)

    2/27/2026

  12. Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing

    2/27/2026House

Bill Text

  • H8028 - As Introduced

    2/27/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • H8028 - Substitute

    2/27/2026

    HTMLPDF

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