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SR 2906

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY CURRENT CONDOMINIUM LAW AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND ONGOING AFFORDABILITY OF CONDOMINIUMS IN RHODE ISLAND

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 6 co-sponsors

A 16-member commission will study Rhode Island condo law to improve transparency, governance, and long-term affordability, with findings due by end 2027.

06/19/2026 Signed by Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 2906

Summary of SR 2906 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes a special legislative commission to study Rhode Island’s current condominium law.
  • Goal: provide recommendations to improve transparency, accountability, and ongoing affordability of condominiums in the state.
  • Addresses housing affordability concerns by focusing on condominiums as a potential means to increase supply, including affordable options.

Key provisions and changes proposed

  • Creation of a 16-member Special Legislative Commission.
    • Members: 3 House members (no more than 2 from the same party), 3 Senate members (no more than 2 from the same party), plus 10 non-legislative appointees with specified expertise or representation (detailed below).
    • Ex officio/appointing roles for non-legislative members include:
    • Secretary of the Executive Office of Housing (or designee)
    • Executive Director of the Community Housing Land Trust of RI (or designee)
    • Executive Director of the RI League of Cities and Towns (or designee)
    • President of the RI Builders Association (or designee)
    • A lending institution representative (mortgage and condo association loans) appointed by the House Speaker
    • An insurance industry representative with condo underwriting expertise (appointed by the Senate President)
    • An attorney with condo-law expertise (appointed by the House Speaker)
    • A property management company representative with condo-management expertise (appointed by the Senate President)
    • Two current condominium owners in Rhode Island (one appointed by the House Speaker, one by the Senate President)
    • The appointing authorities may substitute a member of the general public for a legislator if needed.
  • Scope of study:
    • Review of Uniform Acts from other states relevant to condo law.
    • Identify constraints and challenges in current Rhode Island law affecting accessibility and transparency in condo governance.
    • Identify market- and law-related constraints that impact cost containment and long-term affordability for condo owners and associations.
    • Assess whether low- and moderate-income housing faces additional affordability constraints in condo fee and special assessments.
    • Explore best practices to improve purchaser understanding of condo ownership and governance.
    • Explore best practices for resolving conflicts between condo owners and associations.
    • Consider resources available or that could be created to address affordability challenges within condo associations and/or unit owners.
  • Administrative provisions:
    • The commission must meet promptly after passage, organize, and elect co-chairs from among legislators.
    • Vacancies filled in the same manner as initial appointments.
    • Members receive no compensation.
    • State departments/agencies to provide necessary information and assistance.
    • The Joint Committee on Legislative Services to provide suitable meeting space.
  • Reporting and sunset:
    • The commission must report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly no later than December 31, 2027.
    • The commission expires on March 15, 2028.

Who would be affected

  • Condominium owners and associations in Rhode Island, particularly those concerned with affordability, governance transparency, and accountability.
  • Stakeholders in related sectors: housing policy, lending, insurance, construction/building, property management, and local government (cities and towns).
  • State agencies and departments involved in housing, law, and construction, which would provide information and support to the commission.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: March 4, 2026
  • Referred to Senate Housing & Municipal Government
  • Scheduled for consideration and potential vote in June 2026
  • Commission must convene immediately after passage and organize with co-chairs
  • Reporting deadline: December 31, 2027
  • Legislative life: Commission expires March 15, 2028

Notable considerations

  • The bill envisions a broad, cross-sector panel to study and recommend improvements rather than immediate statutory changes.
  • Emphasizes transparency, governance participation, and ongoing affordability as intertwined goals.
  • No direct amendments to existing condo statutes are proposed by the resolution itself; instead, it authorizes a study to produce recommendations, which could lead to future legislative proposals.

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

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