Grants a right of entry for professional land surveyors to enter upon or cross any lands, air space or water resources necessary to perform surveying services except public utility and/or wastewater treatment facilities upon prior notice.
The enactment of S2501 is expected to have a significant effect on the operational framework for land surveyors in the state. By allowing surveyors easier access to lands for their duties, the bill aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of surveying practices. However, it also carefully outlines the procedural steps surveyors must take in notifying landowners prior to entry, which reflects an effort to balance professional necessity with landowner rights.
Bill S2501 amends the regulations governing land surveyors by granting them a right of entry onto lands, airspace, or water resources without the landowner's prior consent for the purpose of performing surveying services. This provision aims to facilitate the work of professional land surveyors, allowing them to access necessary areas for their activities, as long as they provide advance notice to property owners or persons in possession. The bill specifically excludes certain properties such as public utilities, security facilities, railroads, and limited access highways where surveyors cannot enter without consent of the property owner.
Ultimately, S2501 illustrates an attempt to modernize and facilitate the work of land surveyors in Rhode Island while striving to respect landowner rights through required notifications and restrictions on access. The balance of enabling professional action without overstepping property rights stands at the core of this legislative effort.
Notable points of contention regarding S2501 may arise from concerns about property rights and the security of personal land. While proponents argue that the bill streamlines surveying processes, critics could express fears about potential abuses of this access right, leading to trespassing or inadvertent damage to property. The bill stipulates that surveyors are not afforded special protection from civil liability for damages incurred during their activities, which may mitigate some concerns but does not eliminate all apprehensions about landowner rights.