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SB 2394

AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- UNIFORM PARTITION OF HEIRS' PROPERTY ACT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 4 co-sponsors

Rhode Island would adopt a uniform framework to partition or sale heirs’ property, balancing co-owner rights with safeguards to prevent loss of property.

06/19/2026 Signed by Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2394

Bill overview

  • Bill: SB 2394
  • Session: 2026
  • Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
  • Title: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY — UNIFORM PARTITION OF HEIRS' PROPERTY ACT
  • Primary objective: Establish a Rhode Island version of the Uniform Partition of Heirs' Property Act to address ownership and disposition of real property maintained by multiple co-owners (heirs) who lack a formal estate plan or clear title.

Purpose and intent

  • To provide a framework for the partition and management of heirs’ property, balancing the rights of co-owners with the goal of preventing loss of property through forced sale or neglect.
  • Aims to reduce the risk that inherited properties are lost due to fragmentation, mismanagement, or lack of timely action by multiple owners.

Key provisions and changes (anticipated core elements)

Note: While the exact text of SB 2394 is not provided here, typical provisions in Uniform Partition of Heirs’ Property Acts and Rhode Island adaptations generally include:

  • Definition of heirs’ property and eligible co-owners.
  • Procedures for voluntary partition or sale of the property among co-owners.
  • Establishment of a process for partition in kind (physical division of the property) where feasible.
  • If partition in kind is not feasible or would be inequitable, a judicial or court-supervised partition action may be allowed, potentially leading to a court-ordered sale.
  • Mediation or alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to resolve ownership interests and reduce fragmentation.
  • Requirements for notice to all co-owners and for appraisal of property values.
  • Protection against inadvertent loss of property through lack of action by absentee heirs.
  • Provisions to preserve homestead rights or allow for sustainable occupancy, especially for long-term occupants or relatives who reside on the property.
  • Rules governing buyouts, transfer of interests, and handling of sale proceeds.
  • Potential remedies or protections for vulnerable owners, including minors or individuals with disabilities, if applicable under Rhode Island law.
  • Coordination with local land records, property taxes, and lien priorities.

Who would be affected

  • Co-owners of heirs’ property in Rhode Island, including families and relatives who inherited property as heirs.
  • Heirs’ property owners who are at risk of losing property due to partition disputes, fragmented ownership, or delays in decision-making.
  • Local governments and land records offices, which may implement or enforce notice and filing requirements.
  • Real estate professionals, including attorneys, appraisers, and mediators, who facilitate partition proceedings or sales.
  • Occupants and tenants residing on heirs’ property, who may be affected by partition actions or potential sales.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: Introduced January 30, 2026; referred to Senate Judiciary.
  • Committee action: Recommended measure be held for further study on March 3, 2026.
  • Scheduling: Ordered for consideration and potential hearings in late May 2026 (May 22, 2026 notice; hearing/consideration scheduled for May 26, 2026).
  • If enacted, the bill would create a new procedural pathway for partition actions, including timelines for notices, appraisals, and potential court-ordered sales, with possible stay or mediation periods to allow for negotiation and buyout.
  • Implementation: Likely requires coordination with Rhode Island’s court system and land records divisions, and may require administrative rules or guidance for local jurisdictions.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Pros:
    • Provides a clear, structured process to resolve co-ownership disputes, potentially preserving properties that would otherwise be lost to forced sales.
    • May reduce litigation costs and duration by clarifying rights, duties, and methods of partition or sale.
    • Encourages mediation and buyout options, supporting family stability and tenure on the land.
  • Cons:
    • Could introduce new procedural burdens or costs for heirs’ property owners and local counties.
    • If not carefully tailored, may inadvertently accelerate forced sales or reduce control for minority or non-resident co-owners.
    • Requires effective notice and participation requirements to ensure all heirs are informed and represented.

Notes for readers

  • The bill is in the early to mid-stage committee process, with 2026 actions showing initial introduction, committee recommendation to hold for further study, and tentative scheduling for consideration later in May.
  • Specific statutory language, including exact definitions, timelines, and protections, will be essential to assess the full impact once publicly available.

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

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