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Rhode IslandS24012026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

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

Sponsored By: Hanna M. Gallo (Democratic)

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Court can order repairs or demolition

The housing division can be given strong tools to fix violations. It can stop violations, order repairs, make people leave unsafe homes, or order demolition. It can put a property into receivership and clear title problems. These steps can protect tenants and neighbors, and they can be costly for owners.

Fines and jail for code violations

A conviction in Cranston municipal court can bring up to a $500 fine and up to 30 days in jail. Both can apply. The city council can allow the housing division to use the same maximum penalties.

Cranston creates municipal and housing court

The law lets the Cranston city council set up a municipal court and a housing division. The council appoints the judge and clerk for both. The court can hear city ordinance cases, including minimum housing violations. The housing division can handle zoning, subdivision, housing standards, and state building code cases. The court can give oaths, require witnesses, and punish contempt.

Fast appeals from local court decisions

If you are convicted of a non-housing city offense, you can appeal to superior court within 5 days and get a new trial. If you are convicted of a minimum housing violation, you can appeal to district court within 5 days and get a new trial. If the housing division issues a final order, you can appeal to superior court within 20 days and get a new trial.

City can set local court fees

The city council can set fees and costs for the municipal court and the housing division. People who file or appear in these courts may have to pay these local fees. The law does not list the dollar amounts.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Hanna M. Gallo

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Matthew L. LaMountain

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lammis J. Vargas

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 69 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/31/2026

RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- GENERAL POWERS Passage as Amended

Yes: 35 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/31/2026

RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- GENERAL POWERS Approval of Amendment

Yes: 34 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective without Governor's signature — Chapter 069

    6/11/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/3/2026Governor

  3. House passed Sub A as amended in concurrence

    6/3/2026House

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

    5/29/2026House

  5. Committee recommends passage of Sub A as amended 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 passed Sub A as amended (floor amendment)

    3/31/2026Senate

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

    3/27/2026Senate

  10. Committee recommends passage of Sub A

    3/26/2026

  11. Proposed Substitute

    3/25/2026

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

    3/24/2026

  13. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    3/12/2026

  14. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/12/2026)

    3/6/2026

  15. Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary

    1/30/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • S2401 - As Introduced

    1/30/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • S2401 - Substitute

    1/30/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • S2401 - Substitute As Amended

    1/30/2026

    HTMLPDF

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