Bill Sponsors
McKenney, LaMountain, and Appollonio
Committee
Senate Housing & Municipal Government
Summary
Select
This bill amends state law regarding the sale of public lands given to a city or town as a gift. Generally, municipalities are not allowed to sell or give away land acquired this way. This legislation creates a specific exception for the city of Warwick, allowing it to sell or convey a single parcel of real estate located at 34 Warwick Lake Avenue. The bill notes that any previous deed restrictions on this specific property have already legally expired.
Sponsor
Analysis
Pros for Progressives
- Allows the city to sell unused land, potentially generating new revenue that could be used to fund local public services and community welfare programs.
- Frees up a specific parcel of land for potential redevelopment, which could be utilized for community-focused projects such as affordable housing.
- Ensures transparent government operations by formally updating state law to reflect that the property's previous deed restrictions have legally expired.
Cons for Progressives
- Results in the privatization and loss of public land that could have been utilized for a public park, community space, or other public good.
- Fails to mandate that the proceeds from the land sale be directed toward helping disadvantaged residents or funding local social safety nets.
- Sets a precedent of selling off municipal assets originally gifted to the city, which conflicts with the progressive ideal of maintaining robust, community-owned public spaces.
Pros for Conservatives
- Privatizes government-owned land, returning it to the free market where it can be utilized for private enterprise or individual homeownership.
- Likely adds the property back to the local tax rolls, generating new property tax revenue for the city without raising taxes on existing residents.
- Reduces the footprint and asset management burden of the local municipal government by divesting a property it no longer needs to hold.
Cons for Conservatives
- Overrides the original intent of the private individual who gifted the land to the city, which could discourage future private philanthropy and charitable gifts.
- Creates a special legislative carve-out for a single city rather than passing broad deregulation that allows all municipalities to manage their land freely.
- Raises potential concerns about cronyism if the local government sells the parcel to politically connected individuals rather than through a transparent, free-market auction process.
Constitutional Concerns
None Likely. The bill simply authorizes a municipality to convey a specific parcel of land it owns, noting that previous deed restrictions have already legally expired. It does not implicate free speech, due process, or unreasonable searches and seizures.
Impact Overview
Groups Affected
- City of Warwick officials
- Warwick taxpayers
- Real estate buyers
- Neighboring property owners
Towns Affected
Warwick
Cost to Taxpayers
None
Revenue Generated
Amount unknown
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Bill Status
Current Status
Held
Comm Passed
Floor Passed
Law
History
• 05/29/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
• 05/29/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (06/02/2026)
• 05/29/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (06/02/2026)
Bill Text
SECTION 1. Section 45-2-6 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-2 entitled "General Powers" is hereby amended to read as follows:
45-2-6. Lands given for specific use not subject to disposal.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, nothingNothing in § 45-2-5 shall be construed to authorize the sale, lease, or conveyance of lands or improvements acquired by gift or devise for the public use, whether or not the gift or devise is subject to a condition subsequent or reverter; and no property held by any city or town as part of a charitable trust shall be considered to come within the provisions of § 45-2-5.
(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, the city of Warwick may sell, convey, or grant, for consideration or otherwise, the parcel of real estate located at 34 Warwick Lake Avenue, identified on the Warwick tax assessor's maps as Plat 328, Lot 261, in fee simple absolute or otherwise, pursuant to the procedures set forth in § 45-2-5, all restrictions of record having already expired pursuant to § 34-4-24.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
45-2-6. Lands given for specific use not subject to disposal.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, nothing
(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, the city of Warwick may sell, convey, or grant, for consideration or otherwise, the parcel of real estate located at 34 Warwick Lake Avenue, identified on the Warwick tax assessor's maps as Plat 328, Lot 261, in fee simple absolute or otherwise, pursuant to the procedures set forth in § 45-2-5, all restrictions of record having already expired pursuant to § 34-4-24.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.