Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H6181

Introduced
4/4/25  

Caption

Permits the town of Tiverton to require additional testing, to be performed by the developer, to ensure that there is no dewatering or loss of effective recharge to surrounding wells within close proximity of the new well.

Impact

The passage of HB 6181 would have significant implications on how new housing developments interact with local water resources. By requiring testing to prevent adverse effects on existing wells, the bill seeks to safeguard potable water supplies that could be jeopardized by construction operations. This is a critical step in ensuring that low and moderate income housing developments do not compromise local environmental standards or public health. As a result, local authorities will have greater oversight and proactive measures to adapt to the growing needs for housing while also prioritizing environmental protection.

Summary

House Bill 6181 aims to amend the existing laws regarding low and moderate income housing by providing the town of Tiverton with the authority to require additional well testing prior to the commencement of construction on such housing. The bill specifically addresses concerns surrounding the potential environmental impact on nearby wells due to construction activities, particularly issues related to dewatering and loss of effective recharge. This provision mandates that developers must ensure that the integrity of surrounding water sources is protected, thereby addressing both public health and environmental sustainability concerns.

Contention

While the bill is focused on ensuring the well-being of residents and the protection of local water resources, potential points of contention may arise among developers who could perceive these additional testing requirements as an added bureaucratic burden. Developers may argue that such regulations could lead to increased costs and delays in construction timelines, which could stifle the development of affordable housing. Thus, the bill, while beneficial for environmental concerns, may spark debates about the balance between environmental oversight and the need for rapid housing development.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6179

Requires the Rhode Island housing authority to update the count of affordable housing stock in the town of Tiverton two (2) times per year.

RI H6180

Ensures that minimum egress requirements for conventional subdivisions in Tiverton apply equally to comprehensive permit applications and cannot be waived, modified, or reduced for such applications.

RI H6184

Permits Tiverton to require two parking space for each studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom low- or moderate-income housing units upon the determination that limited or no local public transportation or off-street parking availability near these units.

RI H5692

Allows the operation of a home-based business, which meets criteria for home office IRS income tax deduction, without securing approval from the municipality with no storage of chemicals/park heavy equipment/not more than 10% of premises used for parking.

RI H5022

Increases the maximum state and municipal small purchase limits from $10,000 to $25,000 for construction projects and from $5,000 to $10,000 for all other state and municipal purchases.

RI H6182

Requires any person who applies to rent or purchase a residence located in Town of Tiverton which qualifies as low and moderate income housing, shall require proof of Rhode Island residency or employment by a local, state or federal entity.

RI H6215

Requires the town of Tiverton to require a minimum number of affordable housing units if there is less than ten percent (10%) of affordable housing in the town.

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.