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SB 2772

AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- ARCHITECTS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Burke and 4 co-sponsors

Rhode Island would require architectural firms to obtain a Certificate of Authorization and enforce strict control and eligibility rules for ownership and management, effective 202

05/06/2026 Referred to House Corporations
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Bill Summary · SB 2772

Summary of Bill SB 2772 (Rhode Island, 2026) — Architects

Purpose and Intent

SB 2772 proposes comprehensive updates to the regulation of architects and architectural firms in Rhode Island. The bill aims to modernize registration and authorization processes for individual architects and for firms that practice architecture, shifting from existing framework to new requirements that emphasize firm structure, responsible control, and ongoing compliance. The act takes effect January 1, 2027, with a transition period for firms to align with the new certificate of authorization requirements through December 31, 2028.

Key Provisions and Changes

1) Individual Architects — Issuance, Renewal, and Qualifications (5-1-10)

  • Individuals who meet current registration requirements and pay the applicable fees receive a certificate of registration permitting architectural practice in Rhode Island.
  • Certificates are valid for two years and expire on the last day of December of odd-numbered years following issuance (or another date the Board may set).
  • Renewal requires payment of renewal fees and may require the applicant to provide:
    • A brief outline of professional activities during any period when registration lapsed
    • Additional evidence of continued competence and good character, as deemed necessary by the Board
  • Renewal late penalties apply if not renewed by December 31, with additional late renewal fees.

Note: A previously deleted subsection remains omitted (original §5-1-15.1 language referenced), indicating a shift in regulatory structure for firms rather than individuals.

2) Firm/Entity Registration — Certificate of Authorization (5-1-15.1)

  • Firms (sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, corporations, or LLPs) must obtain a Certificate of Authorization to practice architecture in Rhode Island.
  • Eligibility criteria include ownership and management composition with specific thresholds:
    • For firms, at least two-thirds of the partners (or directors/officers/shareholders, as applicable) must be registered to practice architecture or engineering in Rhode Island or in a reciprocal jurisdiction under NCARB definitions.
    • Alternatively, at least one-third must be so registered, with the person in charge of practice (the individual responsible for the firm’s practice) meeting Rhode Island registration requirements and maintaining direct control and responsible control over personnel in professional and technical matters.
  • The Board may require the firm to file information about its partners, shareholders, officers, directors, members, and managers.
  • Fees: A certificate of authorization is issued upon satisfying requirements, filing a complete application, and paying applicable fees. The fee is waived if the firm consists of only one person who is the Rhode Island-registered architect.
  • Validity and renewals: Certificates of authorization are valid for two years, expiring in the last day of December of even-numbered years (or as otherwise determined by the Board). Renewal requires submitting the Board-provided renewal form and paying the applicable renewal fee.
  • Continuous updating: Firms must update their application within 30 days of any change to information previously filed.
  • Board discretion: The Board may require renewal applicants to provide information about professional activities during lapse periods and other evidence of competence and good character.
  • Transition provisions (effective January 1, 2027):
    • Existing certificates of authorization issued under prior laws remain valid until a change in business entity structure or in responsible Rhode Island-registered architect occurs.
    • All firms must comply with new certificate of authorization requirements by December 31, 2028.
    • A six-month grace period may be permitted to allow a Rhode Island-registered architect to continue practice during ownership transitions or changes in responsible control, until a new certificate of authorization is issued.

Who Is Affected

  • Individual architects licensed to practice in Rhode Island.
  • Architectural firms operating as sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLPs, corporations, or LLCs that practice architecture in Rhode Island.
  • Partners, officers, directors, managers, and other key personnel within these firms who influence practice and control.
  • Rhode Island-registered architects serving in direct control or responsible control roles within firms.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective date: January 1, 2027.
  • Transition period: Firms must comply with new certificate of authorization requirements by December 31, 2028.
  • Transitional provisions allow existing certificates of authorization to remain valid through changes in ownership or responsible control, with limitations.
  • The act provides for renewal cycles for both individual certificates (biennial) and firm authorizations (biennial), with potential board-directed information requests during renewals or lapses.
  • Any changes to firm information must be reported within 30 days of change.

Explanatory Notes

  • The bill intends to tighten and formalize the governance of architectural practice in Rhode Island by requiring explicit authorization for firms and reinforcing oversight of who controls professional practice.
  • It clarifies the relationship between ownership/management structures and eligibility to practice architecture within the state.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current law, or a plain-language one-page brief for distribution.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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