Bill > S0494

This bill amends an existing law to allow municipalities to place liens on real property when owners fail to pay fines for ordinance violations. Specifically, if a property owner is issued a fine for violating a local ordinance and does not pay that fine within 90 days, the municipality can record a lien against the property where the violation occurred. The lien will accrue interest at 12% per year from the date of recording, and the unpaid fine plus any remediation costs will be added to the property's real estate tax bill. The bill maintains the existing provision that towns and cities can impose penalties for ordinance violations up to $500, potentially involving jail time up to 30 days, and can require restitution or community service. This new provision gives municipalities a stronger enforcement mechanism by directly connecting unpaid ordinance fines to property tax obligations, which could incentivize property owners to promptly address and resolve ordinance violations.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://status.rilegislature.gov/