Rhode IslandS31852026 Regular SessionSenate

AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- DAM MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS .

Sponsored By: Jessica de la Cruz (Republican)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Lower property taxes for dam districts

The law lets Burrillville and Glocester pass ordinances to stop taxing certain Dam Management District property. It covers the lake bed of the Pascoag Reservoir (Echo Lake) and its dam, spillway, and related structures. In Burrillville, it also covers Wilson's Reservoir lakebed and assessor map 138 lot 041, map 016 lot 038, and map 156 lot 064, and related dam and spillway sites. These exemptions apply only if the town passes an ordinance. They lower the district’s local property tax bills. The law is in effect now.

Dam fees collected like property taxes

In Burrillville, Dam Management District fees are collected the same way as town property taxes. The district’s fee collector has the same powers as a tax collector. If you owe these fees, expect billing and enforcement like property taxes. The law is in effect now.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Jessica de la Cruz
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 179 • No: 2

Senate vote • 6/11/2026

RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- DAM MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS In Concurrence

Yes: 38 • No: 0

House vote • 6/10/2026

DAM MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS PASSAGE

Yes: 69 • No: 2

Senate vote • 5/7/2026

RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- DAM MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS Passage

Yes: 36 • No: 0