RI
Rhode Island Senate Bill S0978

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S0978

Introduced
4/16/25  

Caption

Requires the state building commissioner to implement electronic permitting for any category of state or local permit authorized under state law to significantly impact the expediency of construction and development.

Impact

The introduction of this bill represents a significant shift in how permits are managed within the state. With the transition to electronic systems, local governments and state agencies will be required to adapt their current workflows to integrate these digital processes. Not only is this expected to speed up permit issuance and approvals, but it will also create a more transparent system that stakeholders can access online. This change could help drive development projects forward more rapidly, benefitting local economies.

Summary

Bill S0978 aims to modernize the permitting process for state and local permits by mandating the implementation of electronic permitting for these applications. The bill empowers the state building commissioner to establish a standardized electronic permitting system, which will streamline the application process, enhance efficiency, and ultimately facilitate expedient construction and development in Rhode Island. By adopting electronic permitting, the legislation seeks to reduce administrative burdens and improve service delivery to contractors and developers.

Contention

While the bill appears to bring various efficiencies, there may be points of contention regarding its implementation. Critics could argue that the transition to an electronic system could impose challenges for smaller municipalities, which may lack the resources or technical infrastructure to support such systems. Furthermore, the requirement for fee adjustments and contributions to support the new electronic system raises questions of financial fairness among local governments and developers. This legislative change may provoke discussions on how best to balance state oversight with local autonomy, especially concerning building code interpretations and enforcement.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S2990

Amends various provisions relative to the duties of the state building commissioner and would establish a building code education and training unit to educate building officials and inspectors statewide.

RI H7983

Amends various provisions relative to the duties of the state building commissioner and establishes a building code education and training unit to educate building officials and inspectors statewide.

RI H7701

Consolidates and transfers the duties of the state building inspector to the state building code commissioner and establish a state building code education and training academy.

RI S3036

Requires that municipalities implement electronic permitting for all development applications pursuant to zoning and the subdivision of land.

RI H7978

Requires that municipalities implement electronic permitting for all development applications pursuant to zoning and the subdivision of land.

RI H5942

State Building Code

RI S0594

State Building Code

RI S2409

Establishes a new article in the state building code that provides that certain new housing construction contain at least one floor that meets the requirements for a Type C "ANSI'' Standards for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.

RI S2952

Establishes a program for the energy benchmarking of large buildings in Rhode Island and a standard for their energy performance.

RI H7949

Makes amendments to various provisions relative to subdivision of land review, review stages, special provisions related to development and the procedures for approvals from various permitting authorities.

Similar Bills

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NJ S4641

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NJ A3985

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NJ S2873

Requires DHS and DOH, respectively, to provide information on SNAP, WFNJ, and WIC recipients regarding card skimming, cloning, and similar fraudulent activities and to replace stolen benefits; makes appropriation.

RI H5509

Requires the state building commissioner to implement electronic permitting for any category of state or local permit authorized under state law to significantly impact the expediency of construction and development.

NJ S3551

Requires "Electronic Permit Processing Review System" in DCA to enable applicant to submit electronic signature and certain other submission materials for permit application review.