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HB 7763

AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- MAINTENANCE OF PRIVATE EASEMENTS AND RIGHTS-OF-WAY

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jennifer Boylan and 3 co-sponsors

HB 7763 clarifies Rhode Island property law by establishing maintenance responsibilities and cost-sharing for private easements and rights-of-way between property owners.

06/24/2026 Effective without Governor's signature
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 7763

Legislative bill overview

HB 7763 addresses the maintenance and upkeep responsibilities for private easements and rights-of-way in Rhode Island. The bill clarifies property law regarding who bears the cost and obligation for maintaining these legally established pathways and passages across private land. This legislation aims to resolve disputes between property owners about easement maintenance duties.

Why is this important

Easements and rights-of-way are common in Rhode Island's developed and rural areas, affecting property access, utilities, and shared driveways. Without clear legal standards, disputes over maintenance costs can become expensive legal battles and damage relationships between neighboring property owners. Clarifying these responsibilities protects property values and reduces litigation.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost allocation: Whether easement maintenance costs should be split equally, shared proportionally by usage, or borne entirely by the dominant property (the one using the easement)
  • Scope of maintenance obligations: Disagreement over what constitutes necessary maintenance (paving, drainage, snow removal) versus improvements
  • Retroactive application: Whether the law applies to existing easements created decades ago or only prospectively to new ones
  • Rural vs. urban impact: Different effects on agricultural/rural properties with large easements versus residential areas with shared driveways

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

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