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HB 8580

AN ACT RELATING TO THE NORTH TIVERTON FIRE DISTRICT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sam Azzinaro and 4 co-sponsors

HB 8580 reduces the North Tiverton Fire District’s tax assessors from six to four after the 2026 annual meeting, while preserving district governance powers.

06/26/2026 Effective without Governor's signature
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 8580

Overview

  • Bill: HB 8580
  • Session: 2026
  • Jurisdiction: Rhode Island, North Tiverton Fire District
  • Purpose: To amend the act that incorporates the North Tiverton Fire District, with a focus on reducing the number of tax assessors on the district’s administrative board after the 2026 annual meeting and clarifying related governance provisions.

Main purpose and intent

  • Align the North Tiverton Fire District governance with streamlined oversight by reducing the number of tax assessors on the district’s administrative board from six to four, effective after the annual meeting in 2026.
  • Confirm that the district retains broad authority to manage water supply, fire protection, and related municipal services, including financing, land/real estate transactions, and infrastructure work, under its own governance framework.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 1 (amendment to incorporation act):

    • The perimeter description of the North Tiverton Fire District remains, with the Stone Bridge Fire District boundary noted as approximately 1,200 acres.
    • The district is established as a corporate entity with typical powers (seal, sue and be sued, etc.).

  • Section 2 (water rates and enforcement):

    • Fire district water supply charges can create liens on property if not paid, with collection methods akin to real estate taxes.
    • The district may shut off water for nonpayment after due process and place a lien priority for arrearage against taxes.

  • Section 3 (elector definition):

    • Defines who qualifies as an elector for district matters (residing in the district, owning property or abutting a main water line, eligible to vote at Tiverton financial town meetings).

  • Section 4 (meetings):

    • Annual meeting timing and notice requirements (first Tuesday in June).
    • Public posting and newspaper notice requirements for meetings and voting list corrections.
    • Quorum convenience: at least 30 electors must be present for votes at meetings other than adjournments or officer elections.

  • Section 5 (officers and terms):

    • Historically, the district elected several officers with staggered terms (moderator, clerk, tax collector, treasurer, assessors).
    • The bill retains the same officer framework but introduces a key change: starting with the 2026 annual meeting, the number of tax assessors on the administrative board will be reduced from six to four.
    • Provisions for filling vacancies and the ability to adopt/amend bylaws and appoint committees.

  • Section 6–7 (powers and property, water system):

    • The district can obtain and manage water supplies for fire protection, domestic use, and other purposes, including constructing or contracting for water works.
    • The district has eminent domain-like powers for water-related property and facilities, with compensation provisions overseen by the Superior Court.
    • Authority to drive/lay pipes, cross highways, and regulate water use; protection of district pipes and revenue to fund operations.

  • Section 8 (tax authority and assessment):

    • Electors may levy taxes to fund water supply, hydrants, operations, and related district functions.
    • Taxes require elector approval via a district vote, with typical tax collection powers and penalties for late payment (up to 12% per year).

  • Section 9 (bonding and debt):

    • The district may borrow money and issue bonds/notes for purposes related to the act (water works, land, equipment, fire apparatus, etc.).
    • Details on bond structure (serial/term bonds), security, sale at par, use of proceeds, and investment of bond proceeds.
    • Provisions for anticipatory borrowing against taxes or aid, and transfer/exemption of bonds from state and local taxes (except estate taxes).
    • Obligations to annually appropriate funds to cover principal and interest, with ad valorem taxes available if needed.
    • Provisions for notes in anticipation of taxes and for borrowing within statutory limits (up to 80% of current or prior year tax levy as applicable).

  • Section 2 (effective date):

    • The act takes effect upon approval by North Tiverton Fire District electors.

Who/what would be affected

  • North Tiverton Fire District electors (property owners and residents within the district’s boundaries).
  • District officers and administrative board (notably the reduction of tax assessors from six to four after the 2026 annual meeting).
  • District finances and debt management processes (bonding, notes, taxes, and levy procedures).
  • Water supply operations, hydrant infrastructure, and property acquisition/compensation processes related to water and fire protection.
  • Property owners within the district (via water charges, liens, and potential water shutoffs for nonpayment).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction date: May 22, 2026.
  • Referral: House Municipal Government & Housing.
  • Key timeline change: Effective after the annual meeting in 2026, when four tax assessors will serve on the administrative board (reduction from six).
  • The act requires electors’ approval to impose taxes and to adopt/modify bylaws; it also relies on standard district election procedures for officer positions.

Note: The explanatory text clarifies the core change is administrative (reducing tax assessor numbers) and that the amendment activates upon electors’ approval.

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

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