The bill amends Section 45-6-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-6, titled "Ordinances," to enhance the enforcement mechanisms for municipal ordinance violations. It allows town and city councils to impose penalties for such violations. Whenever a municipality issues a fine for an ordinance violation, those fines shall become a lien against the real property owned by the violator. If the fine is not paid within 90 days of issuance, the lien shall be recorded with the municipality's land evidence records and will incur legal interest from the date of recording. The total amount, including any costs incurred by the municipality to remediate issues caused by the violation, shall be added to the property tax bill for the real estate where the violation occurred.

Additionally, the tax collector of the city or town will have the same powers and responsibilities regarding these claims as they do for annual property taxes, and the provisions of law related to the collection of annual taxes, the sale or taking of land for nonpayment, and the redemption of land sold or taken will apply to such claims. This act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5693: 45-6-2