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SB 2767

AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RHODE ISLAND UTILITY FAIR SHARE ROADWAY REPAIR ACT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Melissa Murray and 1 co-sponsor

Requires utilities to financially contribute to repairing roadways damaged by their infrastructure operations in Rhode Island.

04/07/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 2767

Legislative bill overview

SB 2767, the Rhode Island Utility Fair Share Roadway Repair Act, would require public utilities and carriers to contribute financially to the repair and maintenance of public roadways that their infrastructure damages or uses. The bill aims to shift some infrastructure maintenance costs from municipalities and taxpayers to the utility companies whose operations wear down road surfaces.

Why is this important

Rhode Island municipalities face significant budget pressures for road maintenance, with utility work—including gas, electric, water, and telecommunications installations—creating substantial wear and tear on local streets. This bill addresses whether utilities should bear some responsibility for road damage their operations cause, potentially freeing up municipal funds for other services or reducing tax burdens.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost pass-through concerns: Utilities may increase customer rates to offset new repair contribution requirements, ultimately shifting costs to ratepayers rather than eliminating them
  • Implementation complexity: Determining fair assessment of damage attribution, calculating appropriate contribution amounts, and establishing enforcement mechanisms could prove administratively burdensome
  • Competitive disadvantage: Out-of-state utility companies operating in Rhode Island may face different obligations than competitors in neighboring states, potentially affecting service availability or investment decisions

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

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