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3/19/2025
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Rep. Sanchez introduces legislation to make eminent domain proceedings more public, transparent
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STATE HOUSE — Rep. Enrique George Sanchez has introduced legislation that aims to protect affordable housing developments and other private projects that benefit Rhode Island’s communities by requiring municipalities to justify their use of eminent domain in a public, transparent process.
“Eminent domain is supposed to a be tool of last resort for projects that support the public good, not a blank check that allows politicians to make short-sighted decisions that prevent developers and community groups from bringing much-needed resources to a community,” said Representative Sanchez (D-Dist. 9, Providence). “This bill will make eminent domain proceedings more public and transparent, allowing those effected in the community to have their voices heard and to influence the process.”
Representative Sanchez’s bill (2025-H 6112) would require that any exercise of eminent domain would need to include a public plan outlining the purpose of the development, the intended community benefits and any structural or environmental hazards that would need to be addressed for the project to proceed. The plan could not be adopted until after a public hearing and a period of public comment of at least 30 days. The owner of the property would also need to be given advance notice and the opportunity to negotiate a mutually agreed upon price for the property.
Under current law, these provisions are only required for property that is acquired by eminent domain for economic development purposes. This bill would apply all these requirements to every use of eminent domain under the jurisdiction of Rhode Island.
Representative Sanchez was moved to action by the recent events in Johnston, where the mayor and Town Council recently invoked eminent domain to seize land owned by a developer who was planning a 252-unit affordable apartment complex. The developers are suing the town for what they are calling a “sham taking” of the property.
Only 7.9% of residential units in Johnston are considered affordable, according to a 2024 survey.
“All our municipalities need to work together to solve our housing crisis, not throw up barriers and declare that these issues are somebody else’s problem,” said Representative Sanchez. “Eminent domain can be a tool to address our problems, but it should be used in a transparent manner that incorporates community input.”
For more information, contact:
Tristan Grau, Publicist
State House Room B20
Providence, RI 02903
401.222.4935
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