Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H8173

Introduced
2/27/26  

Caption

Amends current law so that private side lead service replacement costs, financed by the water supplier's customers that may be eligible for reimbursement from the state, would no longer be subject to appropriation by the general assembly.

Impact

If enacted, the bill will establish that costs related to the private side of lead service line replacements, which are financed by water suppliers’ customers, may be reimbursed by the state without being subject to general assembly appropriations. This change is significant as it facilitates quicker access to state funds for lead line replacements, aimed at reducing lead exposure risk among residents. The intention is to ensure that any renovations or replacements of lead service lines do not financially burden the affected homeowners, thereby promoting public health and safety.

Summary

House Bill H8173, also known as the Lead Poisoning Prevention Act, seeks to amend existing law regarding the financing and management of lead service line replacements within water supply systems. A notable aspect of this bill includes the requirement for water suppliers to develop an inventory of their service lines, which must be completed by October 16, 2024. This inventory will classify lines by their material composition, particularly identifying lead service lines, and is essential for compliance with both state and federal regulations.

Contention

Discussion surrounding the bill may arise from concerns about the implications of allowing the state to reimburse costs without appropriations. Critics may perceive this as reducing legislative oversight over financial matters related to public infrastructure. Additionally, the priority given to disadvantaged communities in the allocation of replacement funds could be a point of contention for stakeholders invested in equal access to clean water, reflecting ongoing debates about equity and resource distribution in environmental health policies.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5375

Allows municipalities to enact ordinances that would permit municipalities and water suppliers to enter properties to perform lead service line replacements and permit tenants to request and schedule private side lead service line replacements.

RI S0492

Allows municipalities to enact ordinances that would permit municipalities and water suppliers to enter properties to perform lead service line replacements and permit tenants to request and schedule private side lead service line replacements.

RI H6304

Ensures public access to lead service lines to determine the existence of lead within the water connection. This act also ensures mitigation measures and replacement lines are consistent with the current version of 40 C.C.R. 141 Subpart I.

RI S0982

Ensures public access to lead service lines to determine the existence of lead within the water connection. This act also ensures mitigation measures and replacement lines are consistent with the current version of 40 C.C.R. 141 Subpart I.

RI S0189

Provides that services provided by graduate student interns who work under a supervisory protocol would be eligible to be paid from Medicaid reimbursement.

RI S0476

Amends current law so that initial contraceptive prescriptions would no longer be limited to a 3-month supply.

RI H6038

Amends current law so that initial contraceptive prescriptions would no longer be limited to a 3-month supply.

RI S0042

Provides that funds or monies collected by designated quasi-public corporations or agencies not be subject to transfer or reallocation by order of the governor or general assembly.

RI H5204

Allows an individual school district that can utilize its own buses or vendors at a lower cost than the statewide system, to obtain reimbursement for these costs from state funds.

RI S0336

Allows an individual school district that can utilize its own buses or vendors at a lower cost than the statewide system, to obtain reimbursement for these costs from state funds.

Similar Bills

RI H5375

Allows municipalities to enact ordinances that would permit municipalities and water suppliers to enter properties to perform lead service line replacements and permit tenants to request and schedule private side lead service line replacements.

RI S0492

Allows municipalities to enact ordinances that would permit municipalities and water suppliers to enter properties to perform lead service line replacements and permit tenants to request and schedule private side lead service line replacements.

RI H6304

Ensures public access to lead service lines to determine the existence of lead within the water connection. This act also ensures mitigation measures and replacement lines are consistent with the current version of 40 C.C.R. 141 Subpart I.

RI S0982

Ensures public access to lead service lines to determine the existence of lead within the water connection. This act also ensures mitigation measures and replacement lines are consistent with the current version of 40 C.C.R. 141 Subpart I.

NJ A3945

Concerns hospitality franchise agreements.

NM SB115

Franchise Termination Changes

NM SB194

Notice Of Termination Of Franchises

NJ S2920

Concerns hospitality franchise agreements.