Rhode Island Senate Bill S0527

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/25
• Refer: 2/26/25
• Report Pass: 6/2/25
• Engrossed: 6/4/25

Caption

Denies the right of footway, except within one hundred (100) yards of the Pawtuxet River in the cities of Warwick and Cranston and excepts in connection with a right to pass with carriages, to be acquired by prescription or adverse use.

Impact

The proposed legislation directly impacts property law, particularly concerning how rights of way are established and maintained. With the amendment, property owners in the affected areas may feel a sense of relief from potential claims over footpaths that could infringe upon their property rights. Simultaneously, the bill reflects an effort to balance individual property rights against public access and enjoyment of natural spaces, particularly along the Pawtuxet River, which is a significant local asset.

Summary

Bill S0527 aims to amend existing Rhode Island laws regarding property rights by specifically denying the acquisition of footway rights through prescription or adverse use, with certain exceptions. The bill serves to restrict the ability for individuals to claim such rights for pathways, particularly outside of a specified area near the Pawtuxet River in Warwick and Cranston. This legislative change is meant to clarify property laws in the region and maintain consistency around public access to private land.

Contention

While specific discussions around the bill's introduction were not detailed in the available documents, the implications of restricting footway rights could invite contention from parties interested in land use and public access. Advocates for public rights may argue that this might inhibit local residents' access to the river and its surrounding areas, while property owners and developers may support the shift as a protective measure against unwanted encroachments. The limitations set forth by the bill could spark debates about the balance of private rights versus public interest in Rhode Island's ongoing land use discussions.