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HB 8035

AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- PROPERTY TAX/RENT FREEZE BILL

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Chippendale and 7 co-sponsors

Rhode Island bill proposing property tax and rent freezes in municipalities to reduce housing costs, pending April 2026 hearing consideration.

04/07/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HB 8035

Legislative bill overview

HB 8035 proposes to freeze property taxes and/or rents at current levels for Rhode Island towns and cities, preventing increases for a defined period. The bill was introduced in February 2026 and scheduled for consideration in early April. Specific details on duration, exemptions, and implementation mechanisms are not provided in the available action summary.

Why is this important

Property tax and rent freezes directly affect housing affordability and government revenue. For renters and homeowners, freezes provide cost certainty and protection from displacement due to rising housing costs. However, they also constrain municipal budgets that depend on property tax revenue for schools, infrastructure, and services—creating potential tradeoffs between immediate relief and long-term public investment capacity.

Potential points of contention

  • Municipal funding impact: Property taxes fund schools and services; a freeze could force towns to cut budgets, reduce services, or increase other fees unless the state provides replacement revenue
  • Market distortions: Long-term rent freezes may discourage new housing construction and maintenance investment, potentially worsening housing supply shortages
  • Equity concerns: Blanket freezes benefit all property owners equally regardless of income; targeted relief programs might better assist lower-income households while minimizing economic disruption

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

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