RILTC’s Legislative Priorities Advance as Session Draws to a Close
As the Rhode Island General Assembly approaches the end of the 2026 legislative session, several important conservation priorities are advancing at the State House.
The biggest news came from the House Finance Committee on Friday, which approved a revised state budget that increases the proposed Green Bond from $50 million to $55 million. The news is better than we expected, and the revised bond package includes:
- $3 million for farmland protection
- $3 million for the State Open Space program
- An additional $5 million for the Resilient Rhody Infrastructure Fund
While we’re disappointed that our full $17.5 million “Make the Green Bond Greener” request was not funded in the final budget, the overall Green Bond represents a significant investment in Rhode Island’s natural resources, biodiversity, working lands, and climate resilience.
In addition to the Green Bond, several Rhode Island Land Trust Council legislative priorities continue to move through the General Assembly this session.
RI Invasive Plant Management Act (H7071a/S2352a) would phase out the sale and distribution of certain invasive plant species that threaten forests, wetlands, and native habitats. The bill is scheduled for consideration in Senate Environment & Agriculture on Tuesday, as well as scheduled for a vote on the House Floor on Tuesday 6/2.
Rodenticide Reform Legislation (H7222/S2795) would reduce the impacts on wildlife by addressing the use of anticoagulant rodenticides that can harm birds of prey and other non-target species. The Senate read and passed this bill last Tuesday, and is scheduled for a vote on the House Floor on Wednesday, 6/3.
Uniform Partition of Heir’s Property (H7210/S2394) strengthens protections for families who inherit land without a formal estate plan. By requiring notice, independent appraisals, and opportunities for family members to retain ownership before a forced sale can occur, this legislation helps prevent the loss of generational land while preserving individual property rights, and is particularly important to underserved communities. The House read and passed this bill a few weeks ago, and it’s scheduled for a vote on the Senate floor on Wednesday. Learn more from the Land Trust Alliance’s Heir’s Property Toolkit.
Urban & Small Farm Legislation (H7242/S2827) would help ensure that Rhode Island’s growing network of urban and small-scale farms (under 5 acres) have equitable access to agricultural tax programs and support. While this legislation hasn’t moved through House Environment & Natural Resources, it is scheduled in Senate Environment & Agriculture on Tuesday, 6/22.
Public Use of Private Lands (H7761/S3188) did not gain traction this session. This bill would remove the state and municipalities as “owners” protected by liability for accidents where the public is invited to recreate. The state and municipalities could be sued for any accidents on their property, even in the absence of negligence. This bill is particularly detrimental to our municipal land trusts, and we’re glad to see it die in committee this year.
We will continue monitoring legislation through the final days of session and advocating for policies that protect Rhode Island’s land, water, farms, forests, and communities. We will provide a comprehensive legislative wrap-up once the General Assembly adjourns, so stay tuned!
