Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H8238

Introduced
5/3/24  

Caption

Provides that the real estate appraisal from the city or town shall be taken into consideration when determining each property owner’s share of costs to maintain and/or repair an easement or right-of-way.

Impact

The bill proposes a system where maintenance costs are proportionally shared among benefited property's owners based on the benefit each receives. However, the valuation of properties, as assessed by the local municipality, will not influence the determination of these shares. This approach aims to simplify the maintenance process and ensure that no single property owner bears an undue burden. Additionally, it holds property owners accountable for any damage caused to the easement as a result of their actions or the actions of their renters or workers.

Summary

House Bill 8238, relating to the maintenance of private easements and rights-of-way, proposes amendments to the general laws governing property maintenance. The bill stipulates that in the absence of a written agreement, the owner of any residential property benefiting from an easement shall bear the costs associated with its upkeep. This includes ensuring the easement is in good repair and addressing any necessary repairs, including snow removal, highlighting the responsibility of property owners for maintaining their access routes.

Contention

A crucial element of the bill is its provision for accountability in case of damage to the easement. If property owners fail to restore damaged portions or refuse to contribute towards maintenance costs after a written request, they may face legal action. This could stir contention among neighboring property owners who might disagree over the assessment of damages or the fairness of shared maintenance responsibilities. Overall, the bill seeks to clarify existing law on easement responsibilities while potentially reducing disputes regarding property access and maintenance.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6296

Authorizing The Town Of Coventry To Issue Not More Than $25,000,000 Bonds And Notes To Finance Construction, Renovation, Rehabilitation, Repair, Improvement, Furnishing And/or Equipping Of And/or Additions To Schools And School Facilities Throughout The Town, Subject To Approval Of State School Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 49.2 % For Expenditures Eligible For Reimbursement

RI S0980

Authorizing The Town Of Barrington To Finance The Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Alteration, Furnishing And Equipping Of Public Schools And School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Athletic Fields, Playgrounds, Landscaping, Parking And Costs Of Financing And To Issue Not More Than $250,000,000 Bonds And/or Notes Therefor, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 35 Percent At The Time Of Issuance And Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority

RI H6404

Authorizing The Town Of Barrington To Finance The Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Alteration, Furnishing And Equipping Of Public Schools And School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Athletic Fields, Playgrounds, Landscaping, Parking And Costs Of Financing And To Issue Not More Than $250,000,000 Bonds And/or Notes Therefor, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 35 Percent At The Time Of Issuance And Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority

RI S0993

Authorizing The Town Of Coventry To Issue Not More Than $25,000,000 Bonds And Notes To Finance Construction, Renovation, Rehabilitation, Repair, Improvement, Furnishing And/or Equipping Of And/or Additions To Schools And School Facilities Throughout The Town, Subject To Approval Of State School Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 49.2 % For Expenditures Eligible For Reimbursement

RI H5747

Payment Of Wages

RI S0018

Authorizing The Town Of North Providence To Issue Not To Exceed $125,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Construction, Renovation, Rehabilitation, Repair, Improvements, Furnishing And Equipping Of And/or Additions To Schools And School Facilities In The Town, Including, But Not Limited To, The Construction Of Three Elementary Schools, The Renovation Of Two Middle Schools And The Construction Of New Administrative Offices, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 79.8% For Expenditures Eligible For Reimbursement

RI S1074

Authorizing The Town Of North Smithfield To Finance The Development And Construction Of A New Police Station Or The Renovation, Improvement, Alteration And Repair Of An Existing Building To Be Used As A Police Station, As Determined By The Town Council And The Furnishing And Equipping Thereof By The Issue Of Not More Than $18,000,000 Of Bonds And/or Notes Therefor

RI H6451

Authorizing The Town Of North Smithfield To Finance The Development And Construction Of A New Police Station Or The Renovation, Improvement, Alteration And Repair Of An Existing Building To Be Used As A Police Station, As Determined By The Town Council And The Furnishing And Equipping Thereof By The Issue Of Not More Than $18,000,000 Of Bonds And/or Notes Therefor

RI H5101

Authorizing The Town Of North Providence To Issue Not To Exceed $125,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Construction, Renovation, Rehabilitation, Repair, Improvements, Furnishing And Equipping Of And/or Additions To Schools And School Facilities In The Town, Including, But Not Limited To, The Construction Of Three Elementary Schools, The Renovation Of Two Middle Schools And The Construction Of New Administrative Offices, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 79.8% For Expenditures Eligible For Reimbursement

RI S1091

Authorizing The Town Of Cumberland To Issue Not To Exceed $52,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Construction, Renovation, Improvement, Alteration, Repair, Furnishing And Equipping Of A New Elementary School And Other Related School Facilities And The Demolition Of An Existing Elementary School On Land Presently Occupied By The B.f. Norton School In The Town Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By Any Grant Received From The School Building Authority Capital Fund

Similar Bills

GA HR1113

Property; granting of nonexclusive easements; authorize

GA HR1085

Property; granting of nonexclusive easements; authorize

GA HR98

Property; granting of nonexclusive easements; authorize

GA HR158

Property; granting of nonexclusive easements; authorize

VA HB1721

Condemnation of conservation or open-space easement; compensation, Uniform Easement Relocation Act.

TX HB901

Relating to the acquisition of real property by an entity with eminent domain authority.

TX SB1009

Relating to the adoption of the Uniform Easement Relocation Act.

AR HB1408

To Create The Uniform Easement Relocation Act.