Signed by Governor Dan McKee

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes a commission to study law related to condominiums and recommend improvements in Rhode Island.

Highlights:

• Establishes a special legislative commission of 16 members to make a comprehensive study identifying existing challenges within Rhode Island’s condominium law and potential need for changes (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the goals of potential changes should be to allow for (Sec. 1): 

• Greater participation in condominium governance; 

• Greater efficacy, transparency, and accountability within condominium management; and

• Improved long-term affordability of condominiums for all unit owners and associations. 

• Specifies that the study shall include (Sec. 1):

• Examination of Uniform Acts from other states;

• Identification of constraints and challenges within current law that impede condominium governance accessibility and transparency;

• Identification of constraints and challenges to cost containment and affordability within current law and general conditions of the market;

• Consideration of additional affordability constraints that may exist for low and moderate-income housing units and require special attention in fee and special assessment setting;

• Examination of best practices for improving purchaser understanding of condominium ownership and governance;

• Examination of best practices for conflict resolution between condominium owners and associations; and

• Consideration of resources that can be made available to address affordability challenges for condominium associations and unit owners.

• Specifies that commission members shall receive no compensation for their services (Sec. 1).

• Requires all state departments and agencies to provide advice and information requested by the commission (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes the Joint Committee on Legislative Services to find suitable quarters for the commission (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the commission shall deliver its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by December 31, 2027 and expire on March 15, 2028 (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that this act is effective upon passage (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text