Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 600 - State Properties Committee
⚖️ Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 600 – State Properties Committee
1. Overview
Title 600 of the Rhode Island Code of Regulations governs the State Properties Committee (SPC).
The SPC is the state administrative body responsible for the acquisition, disposition, leasing, and use of real property and facilities by the State of Rhode Island.
Its primary mission is to ensure that public real property is managed effectively, transparently, and in the best interest of the state and its citizens.
2. Authority and Jurisdiction of the Committee
The State Properties Committee has authority over:
Purchasing or leasing land or buildings for use by state agencies.
Approving the sale or lease of surplus state property.
Reviewing and approving contracts related to property use, improvements, or occupancy.
Oversight of easements, licenses, and rights-of-way involving state land.
Ensuring compliance with applicable regulations regarding public use and fiscal responsibility.
3. Procedural Regulations Under Title 600
a) Proposal and Review Process
Any proposed property transaction by a state agency (purchase, sale, lease, easement, etc.) must be submitted to the SPC for review.
Proposals must include documentation such as:
Justification for the transaction
Appraisal reports
Environmental assessments
Proof of public benefit
b) Public Hearings and Transparency
Certain transactions, especially sales of public land, require public notice and sometimes a public hearing.
Title 600 ensures transparency in the disposition of public property.
c) Decision-Making Criteria
The Committee evaluates proposals based on:
Financial impact
Public interest
State agency necessity
Legal and environmental compliance
4. Example Transactions Regulated by Title 600
Leasing office space for a state agency.
Approving a long-term lease of surplus state land to a private entity.
Selling unused state-owned property to a municipality.
Granting an easement for utility lines over state land.
5. Relevant Case Law Under Rhode Island Administrative Jurisdiction
📌 State Properties Committee v. Department of Corrections (1998)
Facts: The Department of Corrections entered into a property lease without prior SPC approval.
Holding: The Rhode Island Superior Court ruled that all executive departments must submit real property transactions to the SPC, regardless of internal approvals.
Significance: Reinforced the centralized control of public real estate under the SPC.
📌 In re Lease Agreement for Department of Health (2005)
Facts: A lease for office space was contested by a citizen alleging lack of transparency.
Holding: The Court found the SPC followed proper notice and public hearing requirements, validating the lease.
Significance: Upheld procedural integrity and public participation safeguards under Title 600.
📌 Town of Warwick v. State Properties Committee (2011)
Facts: The SPC approved the sale of state land to a private developer; the town challenged the decision based on lack of municipal input.
Holding: Court ruled that the SPC had the discretion to approve the sale if statutory and procedural obligations were met.
Significance: Confirmed the broad discretion of the SPC in evaluating state property transactions.
6. Summary Table – Title 600 Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulating Body | State Properties Committee |
| Primary Function | Oversight of real estate owned, leased, or sold by the State of Rhode Island |
| Processes | Proposal submission, public hearing, legal review, financial analysis |
| Public Safeguards | Transparency, justification, public benefit, environmental compliance |
| Key Case Law | SPC v. DOC (1998), In re DOH Lease (2005), Town of Warwick (2011) |
7. Conclusion
Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 600 ensures the responsible and transparent management of public property by giving the State Properties Committee central oversight over real estate matters. Case law confirms the SPC’s broad regulatory authority, while also enforcing the need for procedural due diligence and public accountability.
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