Rhode Island Senate Bill S0850

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/19/25
• Refer: 3/19/25
• Report Pass: 6/2/25
• Engrossed: 6/4/25

Caption

Prohibits any city, town, quasi-municipal corporation or public corporation from assessing any existing agricultural operation or agricultural land for the extension of any water utilities past the property and from imposing any connection fee.

Impact

The bill's enactment would directly impact state laws related to the assessment processes and fees that municipalities can impose on agricultural properties. By exempting agricultural operations from these assessments, the bill seeks to protect farmers from potential financial overruns that could arise from utility costs. Moreover, if the owner develops or sells the farmland to someone who does not qualify as a farmer within twenty years of the utility extension's activation, this protection would become null and void. This mechanism addresses concerns regarding future commercial exploitation of farmland and seeks to ensure that such lands remain in farming operations.

Summary

Senate Bill S0850 aims to amend the Farmland Preservation Act in Rhode Island by prohibiting any city, town, quasi-municipal corporation or public corporation from assessing existing agricultural operations or agricultural land for the extension of any water utilities past the property. It stipulates that no connection fees can be imposed for utilities extending to these properties, providing an important financial safeguard for agricultural landowners. The intention of the bill is to support agricultural operations by minimizing financial burdens related to utility extensions, therefore promoting the continuation and sustainability of farming in the region.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding S0850 appears to be supportive among stakeholders in the agricultural community. Farmers and agricultural advocates likely view the bill as a crucial support mechanism that alleviates financial pressures and encourages farming viability. However, there may be mixed feelings among municipal governments who could feel restricted in their capacity to raise necessary funds through utility assessments. Consequently, support for the bill is anticipated to be stronger among agricultural proponents while government entities may express concerns over the impacts on local revenue generation.

Contention

A point of contention arises particularly regarding the long-term implications of such exemptions on municipal budgets. Critics may argue that allowing agricultural properties to evade connection fees on water utilities could lead to funding challenges for local governments that rely on these assessments for essential services. Additionally, the bill's stipulation that the protections lapse should the land be sold to a non-qualifying agricultural entity may lead to concerns over the future oversight and regulation of agricultural lands if they are sold for development. This could create tensions between agricultural interests and municipal regulatory bodies.