Bill > S0850

This bill amends the Rhode Island Farmland Preservation Act to prohibit cities, towns, quasi-municipal corporations, and public corporations from charging agricultural operations or agricultural landowners connection fees or impact fees for extending water utilities past their property, with some important nuanced provisions. The bill defines "connection fees" as any fees designed to circumvent the prohibition, while explicitly excluding administrative, overhead, equipment, or actual construction costs from this definition. The protection applies specifically to agricultural operations and lands existing as of July 1, 2025, and having frontage on a public roadway. Importantly, these fee protections become void if the landowner develops the property or sells it to a non-agricultural entity. The bill allows agricultural operations to tie into utility extensions at the normal tie-in cost and their base usable charge, but prevents additional assessments. The legislation is designed to support agricultural businesses by reducing their financial burden when utility infrastructure is extended near their properties, and it will take effect immediately upon passage.

Housing and Urban Affairs

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