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SB 2042

AN ACT RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- SIDEWALKS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Burke and 7 co-sponsors

The bill makes the state responsible for maintaining sidewalks along state highways (except snow/ice removal), with RIDOT approval required for new sidewalks.

05/08/2026 Referred to House Finance
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2042

Summary of SB 2042 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Purpose and intent

SB 2042 would reassign maintenance responsibility for sidewalks along state highways in Rhode Island. The bill centralizes maintenance duties under the state, with a specific carve-out for snow and ice removal. It clarifies and formalizes the state’s jurisdiction and duty to maintain sidewalks that run along state roads, regardless of whether those sidewalks were built on, along, or adjacent to state highways.

Key provisions

  • Section 24-7-8 (Sidewalks along state highways)

    • Reaffirms that the state retains jurisdiction over sidewalks and curbing constructed on state highways within towns.
    • Requires approval from the Director of Transportation for any new sidewalks or curbing on state highways, to evaluate feasibility, location, type, and construction timing.
    • States that maintenance of such sidewalks is the responsibility of the state, with one exception: snow and ice removal remains the responsibility of others (implied: localities or property owners).

  • Section 24-8-6 (Authority for sidewalks and curbs)

    • Grants the Director of Transportation authority to construct sidewalks and curbs adjacent to or along state roads, including on one or both sides of a state road, in current construction or future projects, when deemed necessary for pedestrian travel.
    • Reinforces that state maintenance covers all sidewalks along state highways, except for snow and ice removal.

  • Section 3 (Effective date)

    • The act would take effect upon passage.

Affected parties

  • State of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT): Primary responsibility for design, construction approval, and ongoing maintenance of sidewalks along state highways.
  • Local municipalities: Face a shift in maintenance responsibilities (no longer required to maintain sidewalks along state highways; snow/ice removal remains exempt from the transition, potentially handled by the state or local entities as per practice).
  • Public pedestrians: Beneficiaries of standardized state-maintained sidewalks along state highways, with consistent maintenance standards.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: January 9, 2026.
  • Referred to: Senate Housing & Municipal Government.
  • Committee recommendation: March 12, 2026 (Committee recommends passage).
  • Senate calendar: Placed on the Senate calendar May 1, 2026, indicating consideration for floor review.
  • Effective date: Upon passage (immediate implementation once enacted).

Potential implications and considerations

  • Increased state role: Centralizes responsibility for sidewalks along state highways, which could streamline maintenance standards and funding but may affect municipal budgets and staffing.
  • Snow and ice removal exception: Ambiguity around who handles snow/ice removal, since maintenance is state-wide except for this activity. Potential need for clarifying legislation or RIDOT policy on winter maintenance responsibilities.
  • Project approvals: Reaffirmed need for RIDOT Director approval for new sidewalks, potentially impacting timings for local sidewalk projects tied to state roads.
  • Financing: While not explicitly stated, expanded state maintenance could influence budgeting for RIDOT and possibly reduce municipal expenditures related to sidewalk upkeep along state highways.

If you’d like, I can provide a one-page quick-reference outline or compare SB 2042 with current law to highlight exact changes side-by-side.

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

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