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SB 2044

AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lou Raptakis and 1 co-sponsor

Allocates 20% of WRB rental fees from Coventry-related leases, distributing 10% to the Town of Coventry and 10% to the Central Coventry Fire District.

05/12/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2044

Bill Summary: SB 2044 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Title

AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

Purpose and Intent

  • This bill amends the Water Resources Management framework by directing a portion of rental fees collected by the Water Resources Board (WRB) from specific leases related to Coventry Pines Golf Club or an agreement with the Town of Coventry.
  • The primary goal is to provide dedicated, recurring funding split between the Town of Coventry and the Central Coventry Fire District.

Key Provisions

  • New provision added to Chapter 46-15 of the General Laws (Water Resources Management):
    • Section 46-15-25: Rental fees
    • Requires that 20% of all rental fees collected by the WRB from:
      • a lease agreement with the Coventry Pines Golf Club, or
      • a memorandum of understanding with the Town of Coventry
    • shall be remitted as follows:
      • 10% of the rental fees to the Town of Coventry
      • 10% of the rental fees to the Central Coventry Fire District

Affected Entities

  • Water Resources Board (WRB): Responsible for collecting rental fees under leases or MOUs related to Coventry properties.
  • Town of Coventry: Receives 10% of the specified rental fees.
  • Central Coventry Fire District: Receives 10% of the specified rental fees.

Effective Date

  • The act takes effect upon passage (immediate applicability once enacted).

Procedural and Timeline Context

  • Introduced: January 9, 2026
  • Referred to: Senate Housing & Municipal Government
  • Hearing/Consideration: Scheduled (as of reporting) and subsequently postponed (April 16, 2026)
  • Action History indicates ongoing legislative processing with no final enactment as of the latest update

Practical Impact

  • Fiscal: Creates a dedicated revenue stream for Coventry and its Central Coventry Fire District derived from 20% of WRB rental fees tied to Coventry-related leases/MOUs.
  • Administrative: Requires WRB to allocate and distribute 10% of these rental fees to each of the two local entities.
  • Local government impact: Provides steady funding for municipal services (Town of Coventry) and fire protection services (Central Coventry Fire District) from a state-managed resource revenue.

Summary Assessment

  • The bill is narrowly targeted, reallocating a portion of specific rental fee revenues to two local government entities in Coventry.
  • It does not change the overall collection amount by the WRB but changes the recipient mix for a defined subset of lease-related fees.
  • It is a simple, line-item adjustment with a straightforward distribution formula (20% total; 10% to each entity) and an immediate effective date upon passage.

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

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