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SB 2391

AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- PUBLIC AUCTIONS OF REAL ESTATE

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Appollonio and 9 co-sponsors

SB 2391 requires in-person public real estate auctions by RI cities/towns, allows remote auctions only by Superior Court order after a hearing, boosting transparency.

04/29/2026 Referred to House Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2391

Summary of SB 2391 (Rhode Island, 2026) — Public Auctions of Real Estate

Basic Overview

  • Bill: SB 2391
  • Session: 2026
  • Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
  • Title: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY — PUBLIC AUCTIONS OF REAL ESTATE
  • Introduced: January 30, 2026
  • Sponsors: Senators Patalano, Dimitri, Ciccone, LaMountain, Tikoian, Famiglietti, Quezada, Appollonio, Thompson, Raptakis (with co-sponsors listed)

Purpose and Intent

  • The act aims to bring greater public scrutiny and transparency to public auction sales of real estate conducted by cities or towns in Rhode Island.
  • It emphasizes in-person bidding and limits the use of remote or electronic auctions unless expressly authorized by a court order.

Key Provisions

New Chapter: 34-51

  • Chapter Title: Public Auctions of Real Estate

Section 34-51-1. Public auctions of real estate

  • In-Person Auctions (Default Rule):
    • Public auctions of real estate or interests in real estate by any city or town must occur in person.
    • Auctions must take place at the time and place specified in the legal advertisement.
    • Auctions must comply with Rhode Island laws governing public sales (including applicable provisions in Title 44, Chapter 9).
  • Electronic/Remote Auctions (Exception):
    • Electronic or remote public auctions are generally prohibited unless a court order authorizes them.
    • A Rhode Island Superior Court order must be obtained after a hearing.
    • The court must find that conducting an in-person auction is not feasible given the circumstances of the specific case.

Effective Date

  • Effective Upon Passage: The act becomes effective immediately upon enactment.

Practical Implications

  • Impact on Local Governments: Counties, cities, and towns must conduct real estate auctions in person, adhering to existing statutory advertisement and sale procedures.
  • Role of Courts: The Superior Court retains authority to authorize electronic/remote auctions, but only after a hearing and a formal finding of infeasibility for in-person auctions.
  • Public Transparency: By mandating in-person auctions and limiting remote auctions, the bill seeks to enhance public oversight and accessibility of real estate sales processes.

Who Is Affected

  • Primary: Rhode Island cities and towns that conduct public auctions of real estate or interests in real estate.
  • Secondary: Prospective bidders, real estate professionals, and the general public who participate in or rely on advertised in-person auctions.

Timeline and Process Considerations

  • For any deviation from in-person bidding, the process requires:
    • Filing for a court order in Rhode Island Superior Court.
    • A hearing to determine the necessity of remote auction due to feasibility concerns.
  • Once in effect, all standard advertisement requirements and statutory sale procedures (including those in Title 44, Chapter 9) must be followed for in-person auctions.

Summary Statement

SB 2391 reinforces in-person public auctions for real estate conducted by Rhode Island municipalities and restricts the use of electronic or remote bidding to court-approved circumstances. The measure increases procedural safeguards, enhances transparency, and shifts flexibility toward traditional in-person bidding unless a Superior Court determines it infeasible. The act takes effect immediately upon passage.

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

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