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HB 7359

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jackie Baginski

Public real estate auctions by Rhode Island municipalities must be held in person, with electronic/remote bidding allowed only by court-ordered exception.

04/28/2026 Committee postponed at request of sponsor
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Bill Summary · HB 7359

Summary of HB 7359 (Rhode Island, 2026) – Public Auctions of Real Estate

Purpose

  • The bill aims to increase public scrutiny and transparency of publicly conducted real estate auctions by Rhode Island cities and towns.
  • It prioritizes in-person, on-site auctions and restricts use of electronic or remote auction procedures unless specifically authorized by a court order.

Key Provisions

New Chapter: 34-51 Public Auctions of Real Estate

  • Establishes a new statutory framework governing public auctions of real estate or real estate interests by municipalities.

In-Person Auctions Required (Section 34-51-1(a))

  • Except as provided in subsection (b), public auctions must be conducted in person at the time and place stated in the legal advertisement.
  • Auctions must comply with existing Rhode Island laws governing public real estate sales, including applicable provisions in Chapter 9 of Title 44 (which covers property sales procedures).

Prohibition on Electronic/Remote Auctions (Section 34-51-1(b))

  • Public auctions may not be conducted by electronic or remote procedures unless authorized by a court order from the Rhode Island Superior Court.
  • A court order is required after a hearing and a finding that an in-person auction is not feasible under the specific circumstances of the case.

Effective Date (Section 3)

  • The act takes effect upon passage.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Rhode Island municipalities (cities and towns) conducting public auctions of real estate or interests in real estate.
  • Auction process must adhere to in-person requirements unless the court determines infeasibility and authorizes electronic/remote bidding.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced January 28, 2026, and referred to House Judiciary.
  • Status history indicates:
    • February 5, 2026: Committee recommended the measure be held for further study.
    • April 24–28, 2026: Scheduled for consideration; committee postponed at sponsor’s request.
  • Effective date: Immediate upon passage (no delay period).

Potential Impacts

  • Increases transparency and public visibility of real estate auctions by mandating in-person proceedings.
  • Limits the flexibility of municipal sale processes to remote or online formats, except in cases where a Superior Court authorizes an alternative method after a hearing and a feasibility finding.
  • Could affect municipal revenue timing and auction logistics by requiring on-site advertising and bidding processes as prescribed.
  • Provides a potential check against non-transparent or less publicized electronic auction practices by requiring judicial authorization for any deviation from in-person auctions.

Notes

  • The bill is sponsored by Representative Jacquelyn M. Baginski (also listed with a co-sponsor, Jackie Baginski, per the record).
  • The act focuses on procedural safeguards to ensure public accountability in the sale of public real estate.

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

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