HB 8294 Rhode Island House · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- ABANDONED PROPERTY

This bill modifies the state's abandoned property laws to allow for the sale of buildings and properties that have been declared public nuisances, with specific provisions for installing energy storage systems. When a court orders the sale of such properties, it can require the buyer to install an energy storage system as a condition of the sale, and these systems would be automatically permitted under local zoning rules without additional environmental reviews. The legislation also establishes a priority system for distributing sale proceeds, giving preference to buyers who commit to affordable housing, owner-occupancy restrictions, or energy storage installation. These changes apply to properties under receivership where public nuisance abatement has been completed or approved, affecting municipalities, receivers, and potential property buyers.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2026
Committee Review
Jun 2026
House Passage
Jun 2026
Senate Passage
Jun 2026
Signed into Law
Jun 2026
Introduced Mar 13, 2026 Signed Jun 24, 2026
Floor votes · House Jun 8, 2026

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
12
Key actions
3
Committee
2
Jun 10, 2026
Upper · Passed
06/10/2026 Senate passed Sub A in concurrence
upper
Jun 8, 2026
Lower · Passed
06/08/2026 House passed Sub A
lower
Jun 5, 2026
Legislature · Passed
06/05/2026 Committee recommends passage of Sub A
legislature
Mar 31, 2026
Committee
03/31/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
legislature
Mar 13, 2026
Introduced
03/13/2026 Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
lower
7 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors