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Rhode IslandS29122026 Regular SessionSenate

AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- ABANDONED PROPERTY .

Sponsored By: Jacob Bissaillon (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Tougher sale rules; buyers pay cleanup

After a receiver fixes a nuisance, if receivership costs are not paid within three days, a judge can order the property sold. If the court sells an unoccupied building with an approved cleanup plan, the deed must include a reverter if the plan is not finished on time. Buyers must complete the cleanup at their own cost. Any receiver must be a lawyer certified by the court.

Homeowners get stronger proof and notice

The law tightens when a home can be called abandoned. A court needs serious code issues, prior written notice, and missed repair deadlines. Vacancy alone does not count, and homes in redevelopment or actively for sale are not abandoned. A public nuisance now needs clear documents: unfixed code violations after notice, condemnation, or a written health or safety notice. No receiver can be appointed until the owner gets notice, a hearing, and the court sees a viable plan. Courts can speed up hearings only for an immediate, documented health or safety threat.

Priority to buyers creating affordable homes

In a court‑supervised sale, the judge can give priority to a bidder who agrees to deed‑restrict the property for low‑ and moderate‑income housing. This helps turn problem properties into affordable homes.

Towns must list possible abandoned homes

By April 2, 2025, every city and town must publish a list of properties that may be abandoned. The list must be in the clerk’s office and on the town website, and updated each year. The town must mail first‑class notice to the last known record owner when a property is listed. Publishing the list does not create a legal claim against the town.

RI Housing-owned properties are exempt

This law does not apply to properties owned by the Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation or its subsidiaries. Those properties are outside these nuisance and receivership procedures.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jacob Bissaillon

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Matthew L. LaMountain

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 74 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/4/2026

RELATING TO PROPERTY -- ABANDONED PROPERTY Approval of Amendment Passage

Yes: 36 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/4/2026

RELATING TO PROPERTY -- ABANDONED PROPERTY Passage as Amended Passage

Yes: 38 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 158

    6/18/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/16/2026Governor

  3. Senate passed Sub A as amended in concurrence

    6/11/2026Senate

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

    6/10/2026Senate

  5. House passed Sub A as amended (floor amendment)

    6/10/2026House

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

    6/9/2026House

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

    6/4/2026Senate

  8. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/04/2026)

    5/29/2026Senate

  9. Committee recommends passage of Sub A

    5/28/2026

  10. Proposed Substitute

    5/27/2026

  11. Scheduled for consideration (05/28/2026)

    5/26/2026

  12. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    4/9/2026

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

    4/3/2026

  14. Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government

    3/4/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • S2912 - As Introduced

    3/4/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • S2912 - Substitute

    3/4/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • S2912 - Substitute As Amended

    3/4/2026

    HTMLPDF

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