AN ACT RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- SIDEWALKS (Requires that all maintenance of sidewalks along state highways, with the exception of snow and ice removal, be the responsibility of the state.)

S2042

2026 -- S 2042
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LC003276
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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A N A C T
RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- SIDEWALKS

Introduced By:
Senators Rogers, de la Cruz, Raptakis, Paolino, Ciccone, Burke,
McKenney, and Tikoian

Date Introduced:
January 09, 2026

Referred To:
Senate Housing & Municipal Government
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
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SECTION 1. Section 24-7-8 of the General Laws in Chapter 24-7 entitled "Sidewalks" is
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hereby amended to read as follows:
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24-7-8. Sidewalks along state highways.
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(a)
Nothing in this chapter shall be held to oust the state of jurisdiction over any such
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sidewalks and curbing as may be made, laid, or constructed upon state highways within a town, but
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no sidewalks or curbing on state highways shall be made, laid, or constructed without the approval
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of the director of transportation first being had and obtained as to the feasibility, location, type, and
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time of construction.
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(b) All maintenance of sidewalks along state highways, shall be the responsibility of the
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state, with the exception of snow and ice removal on those sidewalks.
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SECTION 2. Section 24-8-6 of the General Laws in Chapter 24-8 entitled "Construction
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and Maintenance of State Roads" is hereby amended to read as follows:
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24-8-6. Authority for sidewalks and curbs.
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(a)
The director of transportation shall have the power and authority to make, lay in and
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upon, and construct sidewalks, including curbs, adjacent to and along either or any one side or both
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sides of any state road, now constructed, in the process of construction, or to be constructed, which
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in his or her opinion and judgment require sidewalks and curbs for pedestrian travel.
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(b) All maintenance of sidewalks along state highways, shall be the responsibility of the
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state, with the exception of snow and ice removal on those sidewalks.

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SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- SIDEWALKS
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This act would require that all maintenance of all sidewalks along state highways, with the
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exception of snow and ice removal, be the responsibility of the state.
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This act would take effect upon passage.
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LC003276
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