Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7873

Introduced
2/27/26  
Refer
2/27/26  
Report Pass
4/2/26  
Engrossed
4/14/26  

Caption

Updates the RI coordinate system to adopt the most recent system of plane coordinates established by the NGS, a federal agency which is part of NOAA and the USDC. Modifies the meter to foot conversion to adopt the international foot to provide uniformity.

Impact

If passed, H7873 will effectively replace the outdated Rhode Island coordinate systems from 1927 and 1983, standardizing geographic coordinates used to define positions on the earth's surface within the state. This will provide uniformity with other states and federal systems, improving interoperability in land surveying and potential development projects. The use of a consistent system may streamline local and state surveying practices, thus facilitating better urban planning and construction initiatives.

Summary

House Bill 7873 focuses on updating the Rhode Island coordinate system to align with the most recent plane coordinates established by the National Geodetic Survey (NGS). This legislation modifies previous iterations of the state's coordinate system to ensure that Rhode Island's geospatial measurements are consistent with national standards. The bill also adopts the international foot for all foot distances and provides the necessary definitions and requirements for using the state coordinate system in land surveying and public records.

Contention

The bill's notable points of contention revolve around the implications of transitioning to a new coordinate system and the requirement for surveyors and land developers to adapt to the new standards. Some stakeholders may express concerns about the costs and logistics involved in updating existing records, building practices, and survey methodologies. It may also raise discussions about the precision of systems used in defining land ownership and property boundaries, as well as how these changes might affect historical properties and planning efforts in communities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5352

Creates the position of dementia services coordinator within the department of health to coordinate the departments approach to Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

RI S0869

Creates the position of dementia services coordinator within the department of health to coordinate the departments approach to Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

RI S1116

Adopts a new tax classification system for the city of Providence.

RI H6394

Adopts a new tax classification system for the city of Providence.

RI S0174

JOINT RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A STATEWIDE MAIN STREET COORDINATING PROGRAM (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $500,000 for the formal establishment of “Main Street Rhode Island”.)

RI H5477

JOINT RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A STATEWIDE MAIN STREET COORDINATING PROGRAM (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $500,000 for the formal establishment of “Main Street Rhode Island”.)

RI H5021

Adds administrator of community confinement and the home confinement coordinator to the state retirement system.

RI S0780

Adds administrator of community confinement and the home confinement coordinator to the state retirement system.

RI S0843

Allows a property owner with eligible net-metering systems with a master meter to allocate excess net metering credits to any meter on the property.

RI H5115

Prohibits the manufacture, sale, and distribution of foods containing certain artificial food dyes within school systems in the State of Rhode Island commencing January 1, 2027.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.