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Rhode IslandS21492026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

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

Sponsored By: Mark P. McKenney (Democratic)

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Warwick court can order housing fixes

The city council can authorize the Warwick municipal court to use equity powers in housing cases. The court can stop violations, and order repairs, vacancy, or demolition of unsafe homes. It can compel owners to follow housing and related laws and use state abandoned property tools. This improves safety for tenants and neighbors, but owners may face repair or demolition costs.

Warwick fines capped; no jail time

For city ordinance violations, the Warwick municipal court can fine up to $500 for each violation. The court no longer sentences people to jail for these municipal violations. The court may order destruction of a vehicle that was impounded under a Warwick ordinance authorized by state law. The court still administers oaths, compels witnesses, and punishes contempt.

Local court handles zoning and building cases

The Warwick municipal court now hears local zoning, subdivision, minimum housing, housing maintenance, and state building code violations. This puts these cases closer to home. You can appeal a final decision within 5 days and get a new trial. Most cases go to Superior Court. Minimum-housing and housing-maintenance cases go to the District Court’s Third Division.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Mark P. McKenney

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Peter A. Appollonio, Jr.

    Democratic • Senate

  • Matthew L. LaMountain

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 99 • No: 0

House vote • 6/3/2026

WARWICK MUNICIPAL COURT PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 63 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/31/2026

RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- WARWICK MUNICIPAL COURT Passage

Yes: 36 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective without Governor's signature — Chapter 073

    6/11/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/3/2026Governor

  3. House passed in concurrence

    6/3/2026House

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

    5/29/2026House

  5. Committee recommends passage in concurrence

    4/7/2026

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

    4/3/2026

  7. Referred to House Municipal Government & Housing

    4/1/2026House

  8. Senate read and passed

    3/31/2026Senate

  9. Placed on Senate Calendar (03/31/2026)

    3/27/2026Senate

  10. Committee recommends passage

    3/26/2026

  11. Scheduled for consideration (03/26/2026)

    3/24/2026

  12. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    2/26/2026

  13. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/26/2026)

    2/23/2026

  14. Meeting postponed (02/24/2026)

    2/23/2026

  15. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration

    2/20/2026

  16. Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary

    1/16/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • S2149 - As Introduced

    1/16/2026

    HTMLPDF

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