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4/30/2026
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House approves study of state’s condo laws
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STATE HOUSE – The House today approved legislation sponsored by Housing Affordability Commission Chairwoman June S. Speakman to establish a commission to study potential modernization of and updates to the state’s Condominium Act, which has not been reviewed or amended in more than a decade.
The legislation (2026-H 8008A) is one of the nine bills endorsed by House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) this year in his annual legislative package to address the state’s housing crisis.
The joint resolution establishes a 16-member commission including representatives and senators, the state’s housing secretary and stakeholders from groups representing a variety of housing interests, including municipal leaders, mortgage lenders, insurers, builders, condo association management service providers and condo owners.
The group is to study existing challenges connected to current condominium laws; potential changes to allow for greater participation in condominium governance; efficiency, transparency and accountability within condominium management and improved long-term affordability of condos for all owners and associations. The panel is to issue its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by Dec. 31, 2027.
“While condominiums are generally considered a more affordable option than the traditional single-family home, the Housing Affordability Commission has learned that they are, in some instances, becoming less affordable due to rising fees and escalating maintenance and insurance costs. The commission has also heard testimony from condo owners about management, budgeting and governance in some communities. The proposed condo commission allows for focused evaluation of Rhode Island’s condo laws to make sure they provide optimal protection to the affordability and viability of condo ownership in our state,” said Chairwoman Speakman (D-Dist. 68, Warren, Bristol).
The resolution now goes to the Senate, where Sen. Bridget Valverde (D-Dist. 35, North Kingstown, East Greenwich, South Kingstown) is sponsoring companion legislation (2026-S 2906).
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
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