Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7635

Introduced
2/11/26  

Caption

Provides that a certificate be provided for every contract for the purchase and sale of real estate certifying that the property has a functioning on-site wastewater treatment system or a sewer connection and not a cesspool.

Impact

If enacted, H7635 will significantly impact the procedures surrounding property sales in Rhode Island. Effective January 1, 2027, the bill mandates that real estate transactions involving properties with cesspools must include an inspection report conducted by an approved inspector within two years prior to the sale. The transfer of properties served by cesspools will not be allowed unless these systems are replaced or properly abandoned, ensuring that new homeowners are not subjected to failing wastewater systems. The bill also allows purchasers to void contracts if the requisite certification is not provided, thus reinforcing the importance of compliant wastewater management practices in real estate transactions.

Summary

House Bill H7635 aims to amend the Rhode Island Cesspool Act of 2007 by introducing stricter requirements for the inspection and certification of real estate properties served by cesspools or on-site wastewater treatment systems. Under this bill, a certificate of compliance must be provided for every real estate transaction, verifying that the property is serviced by a functioning wastewater treatment system or is connected to a public sewer. This legislation is intended to enhance public health and environmental safety by phasing out the use of cesspools, which are often associated with pollution and ineffective wastewater management.

Contention

While proponents of H7635 argue that it is a crucial step towards safeguarding public health and encouraging sustainable land use, critics may view it as an increase in regulatory burden on property owners and real estate transactions. Key concerns revolve around the costs associated with compliance for property sellers and the implications for the real estate market, as customers may face delays or added expenses during the purchasing process. Additionally, stakeholders in the real estate industry are likely to have varying opinions on the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed certification processes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5560

Modifies the real estate sales disclosure form to include the disclosure of “blower door diagnostic air leakage testing” and advises that air leakage testing is recommended prior to purchasing a residential unit.

RI S0536

Modifies the real estate sales disclosure form to include the disclosure of “blower door diagnostic air leakage testing” and advises that air leakage testing is recommended prior to purchasing a residential unit.

RI H5827

Requires a person selling real property to provide disclosures as it relates to flooding on the property which occurred either through natural events or mechanical failures.

RI H5308

Permits every municipality in the state to offer a homestead tax exemption of up to 20% of assessed value on residential properties, and also provides that municipalities that grant greater exemptions not be limited by this section.

RI S1097

Provides that the tax rate for Class 1 and Class 2 property be uniform and set to the same percentage.

RI H6320

Provides that the tax rate for Class 1 and Class 2 property be uniform and set to the same percentage.

RI H6202

Places a moratorium on net metering contracts, subsidies for heat pumps and long-term contracts for the purchasing of solar or wind energy.

RI H5714

Provides that a person eighteen (18) years or older could request that his or her race be modified or amended on their birth certificate.

RI S0642

Establishes a uniform wastewater disposal fee in the amount of fifteen cents ($.15) per every ten thousand gallons of wastewater effluent.

RI S1107

Provides that comprehensive permit projects in Tiverton, involving property not connected to either public water or sewer or both, and for which the property is considered hydric said land be excluded from the building land calculation.

Similar Bills

HI SB2243

Relating To Cesspools.

HI HB2060

Relating To Cesspools.

HI SB675

Relating To Cesspools.

HI HB749

Relating To Cesspools.

HI SB675

Relating To Cesspools.

HI HB749

Relating To Cesspools.

HI HB376

Relating To Cesspools.

HI HB376

Relating To Cesspools.