Rhode Island House Bill H5968

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/25
• Refer: 2/28/25

Caption

Prohibits any city, town, quasi-municipal corporation or public corporation from assessing any existing agricultural operation or agricultural land any water impact fee, excepting base useable charges.

Impact

The proposed changes in H5968 are significant in their potential to affect state and local governance regarding agricultural operations. By prohibiting local governments from assessing fees for water utility extensions, the bill reinforces protections for farmers. This may help to encourage and sustain agricultural viability by removing additional financial barriers that agricultural operators could face as they seek to develop or maintain their properties. Positive sentiments may arise among farming communities who see this as a necessary step to ensure their operational continuity.

Summary

House Bill H5968 seeks to amend the Farmland Preservation Act by prohibiting any city, town, quasi-municipal corporation, or public corporation from assessing existing agricultural operations or agricultural land for the extension of water utilities past their property. Specifically, the bill aims to eliminate the imposition of water impact fees, including connection fees or other charges meant to circumvent this prohibition, aligning these fees exclusively with base usable charges. The intent of this legislation is to protect agricultural properties from financial burdens associated with utility extensions that could make farming less viable.

Contention

However, the bill may face contention from various stakeholders. Critics could argue that local municipalities should retain the authority to assess such charges, particularly if they are seeking to manage their own utility infrastructures and improve local services. Concerns may arise regarding the potential for diminished local revenue and the ability of municipalities to fund necessary utility services. This conflict could lead to debates over local control versus the economic implications for agriculture in the broader state context.