Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7882

Introduced
2/27/26  

Caption

Requires any public utility company that needs to close any state or municipal roadway for work to provide notice to all residential and business property owners located within 1,000 ft of the closed highway at least 48 hrs before the road closure.

Impact

The enactment of H7882 would have a significant impact on state laws regarding public utility operations and roadway management. By instituting a legal obligation for utilities to issue notifications of road closures, the bill seeks to promote a more responsible approach to work conducted on public roadways. This requirement is aimed at minimizing inconvenience and ensuring that communities are informed ahead of time, thereby fostering better relationships between utility companies and the public they serve.

Summary

House Bill H7882 pertains to the Rhode Island Utility Fair Share Roadway Repair Act, aiming to enhance transparency and communication from public utility companies regarding roadwork closures. Specifically, the bill mandates that any public utility company intending to completely close a segment of any state or municipal highway must provide advance notice to all residential and business property owners located within 1,000 feet of the proposed closure. This notification must occur at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled closure, thereby allowing affected citizens and businesses to prepare accordingly for the disruption.

Contention

While proponents of H7882 may argue that it is a necessary reform that improves public engagement and reduces frustrations caused by unexpected road closures, potential points of contention include the feasibility and enforcement of such requirements. Critics could raise concerns about the administrative burden placed on utility companies and whether the stipulated notification period is sufficient. Additionally, lawmakers may debate the balance between operational efficiency for utility companies and the rights of the public to receive timely updates on disruptions that affect their daily lives.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5940

Creates RI opportunity for employee ownership, worker gets notice within seven days of sale of business.

RI S0752

Creates RI opportunity for employee ownership, worker gets notice within seven days of sale of business.

RI H5371

Allows the towns of Burrillville and Glocester to publish notices in any newspaper located within their municipalities and would also allow publication in other designated digital or print platforms selected by their city or town councils.

RI H5028

Amends the definition of public works so that it would include any public works projects performed for any city or town or quasi-municipal entity and the state and any quasi-state entity.

RI S0715

Limits municipal minimum lot sizes for residential use to 2,500 sq ft near transit, 5,000 sq. ft with water/sewer, and 1 acre otherwise, while protecting farmlands, forests, and wetlands, and requiring zoning updates to comply.

RI S0510

Authorizes and empower the department of transportation to plant pollinator friendly native species of trees, shrubs, grasses and plants within limits of a roadway, including state highways.

RI H5099

Authorizes and empower the department of transportation to plant pollinator friendly native species of trees, shrubs, grasses and plants within limits of a roadway, including state highways.

RI H6395

Authorizes the town of Smithfield to set rates that more closely relate to the changes in values and ensure that the tax classification system creates fair and equitable taxation between residential and commercial property.

RI S1122

Authorizes the town of Smithfield to set rates that more closely relate to the changes in values and ensure that the tax classification system creates fair and equitable taxation between residential and commercial property.

RI S0037

Allows a municipality to set its own conveyance tax rate for residential properties sold in excess of $900,000.00 at $10 per $500. Provides collected taxes to be in a restricted account and distributed within 2 years for affordable housing.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.