Final 2024 Legislative Report

TO: Executive Boards & Property Managers
FROM: Raymond Harrison, Esq.
DATE: September 10, 2024

RE: Final 2024 Legislative Report

The following are descriptions of the final status of 5 bills supported by RICA in the 2024 Rhode Island General Assembly session:

Bill sponsored by Representative Brandon Voas, District 57, that became part of the RI Condominium Law:

• H 7867 – Would require the recording of Bylaws and Rules in City and Town halls to eliminate confusion and improve efficiency of Association operations.

This bill was passed by the House, Senate and signed by the Governor. We thank Representative Voas for his advocacy which led to a successful result for our condominium communities.

Bills sponsored by Representative Voas, that did not become part of the RI Condominium Law:

• H 7866 – This would help lessen losses for Association insurance carriers and Association payments resulting from high property insurance deductibles. This bill was held for further study by the House Corporations Committee. 
• H 7868 – Would outlaw unreasonable Association annual budget caps which have a crippling effect on Associations facing significant increases in property insurance coverage.  This bill was held for further study by the House Corporations Committee. 

Bills sponsored by Representative Patricia Serpa, District 27, that did not become part of the RI Condominium Law:

• H 7865 – Would allow unit owner participation by digital conferencing or being physically present at association meetings. This bill was passed by the House of Representatives and referred to the Senate Housing and Municipal Government Committee where it was held for further study.  
• H 7862 – Would update the method of obtaining unit mortgage holder approval for matters including the reactivation of expired development rights which become the property of condo associations and the sale of common element land.  This bill was held for further study by the House Corporations Committee. 

We thank Representatives Voas and Serpa for their support and good intentions to benefit all condominium associations in Rhode Island. RICA will be active once again in the 2025 General Assembly session advocating on behalf of legislative initiatives to further the best interests of condo unit owners and residents.