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SB 1093

AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- RHODE ISLAND COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING AND LAND USE ACT

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 1 co-sponsor

SB 1093 revises Rhode Island's land-use planning framework, potentially affecting how towns regulate development and housing, though specifics remain under committee review.

06/18/2025 Committee continued
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Bill Summary · SB 1093

Legislative bill overview

SB 1093 modifies Rhode Island's Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Act, which governs how towns and cities develop zoning regulations and land-use policies. The bill has been referred to the Senate Housing and Municipal Government Committee and is currently under review, with the committee recommending it be held for further study as of late May 2025.

Why is this important

Land-use and zoning laws directly affect housing availability, development costs, property values, and community character. Changes to the state's comprehensive planning framework could influence how municipalities balance growth, preservation, and affordability across Rhode Island.

Potential points of contention

  • Housing affordability vs. local control: Reforms to zoning rules could either promote denser development and lower housing costs, or be seen as infringing on municipal autonomy
  • Development pressure: Clarified planning standards might accelerate development in some areas, raising concerns about sprawl, infrastructure capacity, or environmental impacts
  • Implementation burden: Requiring municipalities to update comprehensive plans or zoning codes involves significant staff time and resources, particularly for smaller towns

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

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