Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7673

Introduced
2/11/26  

Caption

Authorizes the department of environmental management to enter into leases of up to forty (40) years at State Pier #9 in Newport, Chase Marina in Tiverton, and all other ports and marine facilities owned and operated by the department.

Impact

The enactment of H7673 is poised to have significant implications for state property management, opening up opportunities for private investment and development at key marine facilities. By allowing longer lease terms, the bill facilitates more substantial investment in infrastructure and services related to commercial fishing and public recreation. This responsive approach seeks to align with statewide economic development strategies, making state properties more attractive for stakeholders seeking to invest in Rhode Island’s natural resources and tourism sectors.

Summary

House Bill 7673 seeks to amend existing laws concerning the management and disposal of public property in Rhode Island. The bill specifically authorizes the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to enter into long-term leases of up to forty years for various state-owned properties, including State Pier #9 in Newport and Chase Marina in Tiverton. This change is intended to enhance the utilization of public resources for industrial, commercial, and recreational development, thereby supporting economic activity in the state.

Contention

Despite its advantages, the bill could also invoke concerns from certain quarters regarding the long-term implications of privatizing public assets. Critics may argue that extended lease agreements might lead to a diminished public oversight of marine resources. Additionally, there are potential apprehensions about whether such measures could ultimately prioritize commercial interests over environmental conservation and community access to public lands, leading to dialogues about balancing economic growth with sustainable practices.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0651

Creates rodent integrated pest management pilot programs for municipalities. That choose to participate. Reports would be approved by the municipality's mayor or administrator and would be submitted to the department of environmental management.

RI H5704

Creates rodent integrated pest management pilot programs for municipalities. That choose to participate. Reports would be approved by the municipality's mayor or administrator and would be submitted to the department of environmental management.

RI S0812

Allows the department of environmental management to acquire established foot paths by eminent domain in order to provide public access to streams, rivers, lakes and ponds.

RI S0643

Creates a shellfish hatchery program established by the department of environmental management to foster sustainable development and resiliency of the state's shellfish industry.

RI H6134

Allows the department of environmental management to acquire established foot paths by eminent domain in order to provide public access to streams, rivers, lakes and ponds.

RI H5706

Replaces the coastal resources management council with a state department of coastal resources and transfer all of the powers and duties between the two (2) authorities.

RI S0775

Replaces the coastal resources management council with a state department of coastal resources and transfer all of the powers and duties between the two (2) authorities.

RI H6326

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $2,300,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (DEM) TO TRANSPLANT QUAHOGS INTO NARRAGNSETT BAY AND ESTABLISH A SHELLFISH HATCHERY PROGRAM (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $2,300,000 to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management for the transplantation of quahogs and the establishment of a shellfish hatchery program.)

RI H5609

Requires the department of transportation, in consultation with the department of environmental management also to conduct an environmental impact study of motor vehicle non-exhaust particle emissions.

RI S0401

Requires the department of transportation, in consultation with the department of environmental management also to conduct an environmental impact study of motor vehicle non-exhaust particle emissions.

Similar Bills

CA SB1352

Property taxation: newly constructed: reconstructed property.

CA AB245

Property taxation: application of base year value: disaster relief.

CA SB1053

Property taxation: transfer of base year value: disaster relief.

HI HB1398

Relating To Property.

HI HB1398

Relating To Property.

CA SB603

An act to amend Section 69 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, relating to taxation, to take effect immediately, tax levy.

TX HB2011

Relating to the right to repurchase from a condemning entity certain real property for which ad valorem taxes are delinquent.