The bill amends Section 42-82-16 of the General Laws under the "Farmland Preservation Act" to prohibit cities, towns, quasi-municipal corporations, or public corporations from assessing owners of agricultural operations or agricultural land for the extension of water utilities past their properties. It specifically states that no connection fees can be charged for these extensions, with the definition of "connection fees" expanded to include any fees designed to circumvent this prohibition. The bill clarifies that the protections against such assessments apply only to agricultural operations and land that exist as of July 1, 2026, and that these protections become void if the owner of the agricultural operation develops or sells the property or farmland to a non-qualifying agricultural operation.

Additionally, the bill allows owners of agricultural operations to be charged for the extension of sewer utilities only if they request it. They may connect to any sewer utility extension made past their property at the normal cost of tie-in, without incurring additional charges. The previous provision that voided protections if the property was developed or sold within twenty years has been removed. This act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
8613: 42-82-16