AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- DAM MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brian Newberry and 1 co-sponsor

HB 8028 would empower municipalities to create and govern dam management districts to oversee dam safety, maintenance, funding, and coordination with state agencies.

06/24/2026 Effective without Governor's signature

Summary of HB 8028 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Purpose and intent

HB 8028, titled AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- DAM MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS, proposes establishing or modifying mechanisms related to dam management within town and city governance. The bill appears to address the creation, organization, funding, or governance of dam management districts to oversee dam safety, maintenance, and related activities. The exact legislative language is not provided here, but the bill’s title and the committee history indicate a focus on local government authority over dams and associated watershed infrastructure.

Key provisions and changes (as indicated by the bill’s scope)

Creation and governance of dam management districts: The bill likely prescribes how municipalities can form dam management districts or how existing districts are to be structured, including purposes, powers, and duties.

Authority and responsibilities: It probably designates the scope of authority granted to such districts (e.g., inspection, maintenance, safety protocols, emergency planning, and compliance with state dam-safety requirements).

Funding mechanisms: Provisions may establish funding sources, assessments, or fee structures to support dam safety and maintenance activities conducted by districts.

Coordination with state agencies: The bill might set requirements for coordination with Rhode Island state authorities (e.g., Office of the State Dam Safety, Department of Environmental Management) to ensure compliance with statewide dam-safety standards.

Reporting and accountability: Possible requirements for regular reporting, audits, or oversight to ensure transparency and proper use of funds.

Who or what would be affected

Municipalities: Towns and cities would gain or clarify authority to form and operate dam management districts, or to participate in such districts.

Dam owners and operators: Entities responsible for dams within the jurisdiction of these districts could be subject to new governance, maintenance obligations, and reporting requirements.

Residents and downstream stakeholders: Improved dam safety and maintenance could impact public safety, flood risk management, and land/water use planning in areas surrounding monitored dams.

State agencies: State dam safety agencies would coordinate with local districts to ensure standards are met.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and referral: Introduced February 27, 2026, to the House Municipal Government & Housing committee.

Committee action: Initially recommended a hold for further study on March 5, 2026, indicating that the measure underwent review and may be amended.

Further consideration: A proposed substitute was filed and the bill was scheduled for consideration in June 2026, with a specific hearing/consideration date noted (June 8, 2026), suggesting ongoing refinement and potential passage in the session.

Sponsors: Co-sponsors include Brian Newberry and David Place, indicating bipartisan or cross-party support depending on committee and floor action.

Notes for readers

The available information highlights the bill’s focus on dam management governance at the local level, but the exact language, definitions, and specific authorities are not provided here. For a precise understanding, reviewing the bill’s text, any proposed substitutes, fiscal impact statements, and committee reports would be necessary.

If enacted, the bill could affect how municipalities plan, fund, and manage dam safety programs, with implications for capital projects, public safety, and local budgeting.