Rhode Island § 16-9-5 - School Funds and Property
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 16-9-5 — School Funds and Property, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-9-5. School Funds and Property
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-9-5
§ 16-9-5. Power of city or town to condemn for school purposes — Maximum acreage.
Any city or town from time to time may take lands within the city or town, improved or unimproved, for the location of schoolhouses, the enlargement of schoolhouse lots, and for school purposes, provided that the amount of the land at any one taking shall not exceed fifteen (15) acres; except that:
(1) The town of Foster may at any one taking take lands for these purposes in an amount not exceeding ten (10) acres;
(2) The city of Warwick may at any one taking take lands for these purposes in an amount not exceeding fifteen (15) acres, provided, however, that before the city of Warwick may take more than five (5) acres for this purpose, it shall hold a public hearing;
(3) The town of Narragansett may at any one taking take lands for these purposes in an amount not exceeding twelve (12) acres, provided, however, that before the town of Narragansett may take more than five (5) acres for this purpose, it shall hold a public hearing;
(4) The town of Jamestown may at any one taking take lands for these purposes in an amount not exceeding twenty-five (25) acres;
(5) The city of Cranston may at one taking take lands for these purposes in an amount not exceeding twenty-five (25) acres.
History of Section.
P.L. 1906, ch. 1306, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 75, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 82, § 1; G.L. 1938,
ch. 343, § 1; P.L. 1949, ch. 2312, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 16-9-5; P.L. 1970, ch. 315, §
1; P.L. 1986, ch. 39, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 36, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 356, § 1; P.L. 1999,
ch. 348, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 431, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 86, § 35.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 16-9-5
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 16-9-5 cover?
Section 16-9-5 ("School Funds and Property") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 16-9-5?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 16-9-5" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 16-9-5 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.