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Rhode IslandS28002026 Regular SessionSenate

AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- ABANDONED PROPERTY .

Sponsored By: Jacob Bissaillon (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Receivership sales: abatement required, energy storage bids favored

When a judge orders sale of an unoccupied problem building before cleanup is done but with an approved plan, the deed must include a reverter. The buyer must finish and pay for the required abatement on the plan’s schedule. Missing the deadline can cause you to lose the property under the reverter. Judges can also favor bids that promise to install an energy storage system on the property. This raises buyer costs and risk but can reward bidders who add energy storage.

Energy storage allowed by right on receivership sites

If a court has made the required receivership findings for a property, an energy storage system is allowed by right under local zoning. It is treated as fitting the town plan and as having no significant negative environmental impacts. The project must still follow normal planning steps and meet industrial or manufacturing zone rules. Structures can cover up to 65% of the lot.

Renewables by right on contaminated sites

On previously contaminated sites, renewable energy and energy storage are allowed by right under local zoning. These projects are treated as fitting the town plan and as having no significant negative environmental impacts. The applicant must prove the site is previously contaminated by an agency listing, a Phase I or II report, or the federal brownfield definition. Projects must follow normal by-right planning steps and meet industrial or manufacturing zone rules. Structures can cover up to 75% of the lot.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jacob Bissaillon

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Matthew L. LaMountain

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 68 • No: 5

Senate vote • 5/21/2026

RELATING TO PROPERTY -- ABANDONED PROPERTY Passage as Amended

Yes: 33 • No: 4

Senate vote • 5/21/2026

RELATING TO PROPERTY -- ABANDONED PROPERTY Approval of Amendment

Yes: 35 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective without Governor's signature — Chapter 345

    6/24/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/16/2026Governor

  3. House passed Sub A as amended in concurrence

    6/8/2026House

  4. Placed on House Calendar (06/08/2026)

    6/5/2026House

  5. Committee recommends passage of Sub A as amended in concurrence

    6/5/2026

  6. Scheduled for consideration (06/05/2026)

    6/2/2026

  7. Referred to House Municipal Government & Housing

    5/22/2026House

  8. Senate passed Sub A as amended (floor amendment)

    5/21/2026Senate

  9. Placed on Senate Calendar (05/21/2026)

    5/13/2026Senate

  10. Committee recommends passage of Sub A

    5/12/2026

  11. Proposed Substitute

    5/11/2026

  12. Scheduled for consideration (05/12/2026)

    5/8/2026

  13. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    4/9/2026

  14. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/09/2026)

    4/3/2026

  15. Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government

    3/4/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • S2800 - As Introduced

    3/4/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • S2800 - Substitute

    3/4/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • S2800 - Substitute As Amended

    3/4/2026

    HTMLPDF

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