Rhode Island legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Rhode Island S2704: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- ACQUISITION OF LAND (Provides that cities or towns may, by ordinance, designate
Status: Passed one chamber, June 11, 2026
AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- ACQUISITION OF LAND (Provides that cities or towns may, by ordinance, designate "special ways" throughout the city or town which would be subject to alternative regulations to preserve its cultural, historic or scenic character.)
What the bill says
From the introduced text, February 27, 2026:
2026 -- S 2704 ======== LC005503 ======== STATEOFRHODEISLAND IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026 ____________ ANACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- ACQUISITION OF LAND Introduced By: Senators Gu, Bissaillon, McKenney, Murray, Burke, Mack, DiMario, and Kallman Date Introduced: February 27, 2026 Referred To: Senate Housing & Municipal Government It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows: SECTION 1. Chapter 37-6 of the General Laws entitled "Acquisition of Land" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section: 37-6-31. Designation as a special way. (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms shall be defined as follows: (1) "Participating entity" means a city, town, state agency, quasi-public agency, or department. (2) "Special way" means an unimproved road or path, historically used for pedestrian or horse-drawn vehicle travel, characterized by a narrow width, natural or dirt surface, limited vehicular access, and recognized for its scenic, historic, or cultural significance. (b) Special ways shall be preserved in their natural condition, and shall be subject to restrictions on paving, widening, and other development as provided in subsection (d) of this section to maintain their unique character. (c) Any participating entity may, by ordinance or regulation adopted after public hearing and by majority vote of the city or town council and/or board or commission where applicable, designate one or more …
Sponsors
- Victoria Gu (D, SD-038) · primary sponsor
- Jacob Bissaillon (D, SD-001)
- Mark McKenney (D, SD-030)
- Melissa Murray (D, SD-024)
- John Burke (D, SD-009)
- Tiara Mack (D, SD-006)
- DiMario, Alana (D, SD-036)
- Meghan Kallman (D, SD-015)
Latest actions
- : Senate passed Sub A
- : Placed on Senate Calendar
- : Committee recommends passage of Sub A
- : Proposed Substitute
- : Scheduled for consideration
- : Committee recommended measure be held for further study
- : Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
- : Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
Votes
- Senate Seq #692: (June 11, 2026): 38 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Senate Committee on Housing & Municipal Government: Passage of Sub A (June 2, 2026): 9 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Senate Committee on Housing & Municipal Government: Passage (June 2, 2026): 9 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Senate Committee on Housing & Municipal Government: Passage (March 26, 2026): 5 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: Gardens
Common questions
- What is S2704?
- S2704 is a bill in the Rhode Island Legislature (2026 Regular Session): AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- ACQUISITION OF LAND (Provides that cities or towns may, by ordinance, designate .
- What does S2704 do?
- AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- ACQUISITION OF LAND (Provides that cities or towns may, by ordinance, designate "special ways" throughout the city or town which would be subject to alternative regulations to preserve its cultural, historic or scenic character.)
- What is the status of S2704?
- Passed one chamber as of June 11, 2026. Latest action: Senate passed Sub A (June 11, 2026).
- Who sponsored S2704?
- Victoria Gu (D, SD-038), with 7 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for S2704?
- On the Rhode Island Legislature website: http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2704A.pdf
Source: official Rhode Island record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.