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6/9/2025
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Senate approves Sen. Patalano’s bill to exempt farms from impact, connection fees for water service
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 STATE HOUSE – The Senate has approved legislation from Sen. Todd M. Patalano that would exempt agricultural operations from fees association with new water supply service.
“This important legislation advances our commitment to preserving Rhode Island’s agricultural heritage and supporting our hardworking farmers. It provides a much-needed update to a statute that was originally passed decades ago, and it will provide important support for our state’s agricultural community,” said Sen. Patalano (D-Dist. 26, Cranston).
The legislation (2025-S 0850A) amends the state’s Farmland Preservation Act to prohibit any city, town, quasi-municipal corporation or public corporation from assessing impact or connection fees for new connections to existing water service. Impact fees are often charged to offset the impact of new development on municipal services, such as education and public safety.
Sen. Patalano said he brought the legislation forward at the request of members of the agricultural community. He also noted that under the legislation, if agricultural properties are later developed or sold for the purpose of development, fees can be recouped by municipalities or agencies at that time. The bill has received the support of the Providence Water Supply Board.
“Farmers are land rich, not cash rich. These fees can run into the thousands of dollars, and that can force farmers to sell a portion of their property to pay the fees,” Sen. Patalano said.
The Senate passed the legislation on June 4. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives, where Rep. Charlene Lima (D-Dist. 14, Cranston, Providence) has introduced similar legislation (2025-H 5968).
For more information, contact:
Greg Pare, Director of Communications for the Senate
State House Room 112
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 276-5558
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