Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S0494

Introduced
2/26/25  

Caption

Allows unpaid fines for violations of municipal ordinances to be recorded as alien in the land records, where the violating real property is located. The lien would be added to amount of real estate taxes owed on the property at issue.

Impact

The proposed changes are significant as they would empower local governments to enforce compliance more effectively. If passed, municipalities could potentially see an increase in revenue from ordinance enforcement as outstanding fines would be more closely tied to property taxes, making it less likely for violators to ignore fines. This move is expected to impact property owners directly, as their tax bills may reflect unpaid fines alongside their tax obligations, leading to more prompt payments to avoid incurring additional interest or tax-related penalties.

Summary

Bill S0494 seeks to modify the way municipalities in Rhode Island can enforce penalties for violations of local ordinances. Specifically, the legislation proposes that any unpaid fines for such violations can be recorded as a lien against the real property owned by the violator. By bringing this mechanism into effect, the bill aims to provide municipalities with a stronger recourse for recovering owed fines. The lien would then be added to the owner's real estate tax obligations, thus integrating ordinance fines with property taxes, which could incentivize timely payment of such fines.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, S0494 may provoke discussions among stakeholders regarding the balance of penalizing noncompliance while ensuring fairness in enforcement. Critics of the bill may argue that adding fines to property taxes could disproportionately affect lower-income property owners or those facing financial difficulties. There is a concern that such a measure could lead to increased property tax burdens just for failing to pay a fine, raising questions about equitable treatment in municipal governance and whether alternatives should be explored instead.

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.