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6/26/2026
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New law adds protections to Abandoned Properties Act
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STATE HOUSE – Legislation sponsored by Rep. June S. Speakman and Sen. Jacob E. Bissaillon has been enacted, amending the Abandoned Properties Act to prevent its abuse and make its provisions clearer.
The legislation, (2026-H 8101Aaa, 2026-S 2912Aaa), which was signed by the governor June 18 following its passage by the General Assembly a week earlier, is meant to prevent properties that are not abandoned from being taken into receivership.
During the bill’s hearing, representatives of RIHousing testified about occasions when several new homeowners with mortgages through RIHousing had their homes included on lists of multiple properties headed toward receivership, despite being occupied and in good condition. Others have reported similar situations and having their locks changed before even being notified that their property had been targeted for receivership.
“The Abandoned Properties Act is an important tool for addressing blighted properties and assisting in the revitalization of neighborhoods and housing. This bill strengthens the act, ensuring that there is due process and that it can only be used for its intended purpose of revitalizing properties that truly have been abandoned or long neglected,” said Senator Bissaillon (D-Dist. 1, Providence), who chairs the Senate Housing and Municipal Government Committee.
Said Representative Speakman (D-Dist. 68, Warren, Bristol), who chairs the House’s Committee on Housing Affordability, “There have been a few unfortunate cases in recent years when homes have been improperly targeted for receivership under this act, and their law-abiding owners faced significant hurdles and legal bills fighting for their rights. That shouldn’t happen. This bill provides homeowners stronger notice requirements and protections to protect against mistakes or abuse of the law.”
The act clarifies the act’s definition of “abandonment,” and requires that owners be notified and given the opportunity to respond and correct any blight or code violations before any action is taken to move a property toward receivership.
The bill was supported by the RIHousing, Housing Network of RI, the Executive Office of Housing, the R.I. Association of Realtors, the R.I. League of Cities and Towns and the mayors of Providence, Pawtucket and Woonsocket.
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
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