Denies the right of footway, except within one hundred (100) yards of the Pawtuxet River in the cities of Warwick and Cranston and except in connection with a right to pass with carriages to be acquired by prescription or adverse use.
Impact
If passed, H7455 would have significant implications for local property laws in the municipalities of Warwick and Cranston. It would alter the ways in which individuals can claim rights of usage over local properties and waterways, potentially limiting the expansion of rights that could previously be obtained through prolonged use of a footpath. As a result, this could decrease the capacity for residents to establish informal paths over private lands, particularly near the riverbanks, which could have implications for local environmental access and community recreation.
Summary
House Bill H7455, introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly, seeks to modify existing laws regarding property rights and the acquisition of easements. Specifically, the bill stipulates that no right of footway can be acquired by prescription or adverse use except within one hundred yards of the Pawtuxet River in Warwick and Cranston or in connection with a right to pass with carriages. This proposed legislation aims to clarify the rules surrounding property access and the ability to claim footway rights by usage over time, a practice that can create conflicts between property owners and users.
Contention
There may be points of contention surrounding HB H7455, particularly from community members who advocate for walking access to the river and local natural spaces. Concerns may arise regarding the restriction of access rights and how such limits could impact community interaction with the river front, which is often seen as a public space for enjoyment and recreation. Furthermore, the delineation of land use rights may lead to disputes between landowners and the public, encapsulating the ongoing debate over balancing private property rights with public access to natural resources.