All Roll Calls
Yes: 92 • No: 13
Rhode IslandH82942026 Regular SessionHouse
AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- ABANDONED PROPERTY .
Sponsored By: June Speakman (Democratic)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
By-right energy on contaminated or receivership sites
Renewable energy and storage are allowed as a by-right use on previously contaminated sites. The applicant must prove the site is contaminated, such as with a state or federal listing or a Phase I/II report. These projects follow industrial or manufacturing zone rules and can cover up to 75% of the lot. On properties with court nuisance findings in receivership, energy storage is also a by-right use. It is treated as consistent with the town plan and as having no significant negative environmental impacts. These projects follow industrial or manufacturing rules, can cover up to 65% of the lot, and this does not apply in residential-only zones.
Courts can sell vacant problem properties sooner
A judge can order the sale of an unoccupied building before cleanup if the court approves an abatement plan. The sale and deed must include a reverter that takes back title if the plan is not finished on time. The buyer must complete and pay for the cleanup under the approved plan.
Priority for buyers adding energy storage
In a court-ordered receivership sale, the judge can prefer a buyer who agrees to install energy storage on the property. This gives those buyers a better chance to win the sale. The preference applies only in that sale.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
June Speakman
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Jacquelyn M. Baginski
Democratic • House
Jennifer Boylan
Democratic • House
Lauren H. Carson
Democratic • House
Jason Knight
Democratic • House
Michelle E. McGaw
Democratic • House
Tina L. Spears
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 6/10/2026
RELATING TO PROPERTY -- ABANDONED PROPERTY In Concurrence
Yes: 33 • No: 5
House vote • 6/8/2026
ABANDONED PROPERTY PASSAGE
Yes: 59 • No: 8
Actions Timeline
Effective without Governor's signature — Chapter 346
6/24/2026GovernorTransmitted to Governor
6/16/2026GovernorSenate passed Sub A in concurrence
6/10/2026SenatePlaced on Senate Calendar (06/10/2026)
6/8/2026SenateHouse passed Sub A
6/8/2026HousePlaced on House Calendar (06/08/2026)
6/5/2026HouseCommittee recommends passage of Sub A
6/5/2026Proposed Substitute
6/2/2026Scheduled for consideration (06/05/2026)
6/2/2026Committee recommended measure be held for further study
3/31/2026Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/31/2026)
3/27/2026Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
3/13/2026House
Bill Text
H8294 - As Introduced
3/13/2026
H8294 - Substitute
3/13/2026
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