WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 3149

AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- MANAGEMENT AND DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sue Sosnowski

Allows up to 40-year leases for select state ports, marinas, redevelopment, energy, and Union Station properties to attract investment, with mandatory semi-annual income reporting.

06/23/2026 Signed by Governor
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 3149

Summary of Bill SB 3149 (Rhode Island, 2026 Session)

Title

AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- MANAGEMENT AND DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY

Purpose and Intent

  • To authorize the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and related state authorities to lease or grant concessions for public land and facilities, including certain ports, marinas, and other properties.
  • To set maximum lease terms for various properties and purposes, including special provisions for fishing-related facilities, redevelopment, public recreation, and transportation-related uses.
  • To require income reporting from leased properties to enhance financial oversight.

Key Provisions

Section 37-7-9 (Concessions, Leases, and Licenses — Reports)

  • The acquiring authority, with the approval of the State Properties Committee, may grant concessions, leases, or licenses of land, buildings, or structures (including government facilities, public works, or improvements) for industrial or commercial purposes.
  • General maximum terms:
    • Up to 20 years in aggregate for most property leases.
  • Special, longer-term provisions (up to 40 years):
    • State-owned properties at:
    • Port of Galilee (Narragansett)
    • State Pier #9 (Newport)
    • Chase Marina (Tiverton)
    • All other ports and marine facilities owned/operated by DEM
    • Indian Point properties (25 India Street, Providence) may be leased up to 40 years for commercial, public recreation, marina, and redevelopment purposes.
    • DEM properties may be leased up to 40 years to facilitate private investment in buildings/infrastructure for public recreation or to develop/sustain a natural resource-based industry, where the investment life exceeds 25 years.
    • Union Station properties in Providence (passed to the state by Consolidated Rail Corporation and others) may be leased up to 40 years for office, commercial, service, transportation, or related purposes.
    • cogeneration projects (electricity and thermal energy) and certain eligible renewable energy resources may be leased up to 40 years.
    • Mobile-home park leases may be up to 30 years if the mobile home is contiguous to a resident-owned park.
    • Quonset state airport properties may be leased to the United States Air Force for up to 40 years to improve infrastructure.
  • All lease/concession agreements require conditions, rules, and regulations deemed suitable by the state purchasing agent and must be approved as to substance by the Director of Administration and as to form by the Attorney General.

Reporting Requirement

  • Lessees must report semi-annually the income generated by the leased property.
  • Reports go to the State Properties Commission and copies must be provided to both the House and Senate Fiscal Staff and the Governor.
  • Lease documents must include these reporting requirements.

Section 46-5-10 (Lease of Port Facilities)

  • The Director may lease property (improved or unimproved) and port facilities (storage, wharves, piers, docks, etc.) for terms not exceeding 20 years generally.
  • Exceptions for DEM ports and marine facilities:
    • Up to 40-year terms for commercial fishing industry-related purposes with rent and covenants deemed advantageous to the state.

Effective Date

  • Takes effect upon passage.

Who Would Be Affected

  • State agencies and authorities (notably the Department of Environmental Management and the State Properties Committee).
  • Lessees and potential investors seeking long-term leases for:
    • Ports, marinas, and marine facilities
    • Redevelopment projects
    • Public recreation and natural resource-based industries
    • Cogeneration and renewable energy projects
    • Transportation-related facilities (including Union Station properties)
    • Quonset airport-related airport infrastructure
  • Rhode Island residents and businesses through increased commercial activity at state properties and enhanced reporting/transparency of lease income.

Procedural/Timelines

  • Introduced: March 27, 2026
  • Referred to Senate Environment & Agriculture
  • Committee action (April 29, 2026): Recommended hold for further study
  • Takes effect upon passage (no delay specified)

Notes

  • The bill expands long-term leasing authority (up to 40 years) for several key state properties, notably DEM ports/marine facilities and specific redevelopment/energy projects.
  • It adds mandatory semi-annual income reporting to improve oversight.

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

Sign in to ask a question.