Rhode Island authorizes transfer-on-death deeds for real property to bypass probate

Original title: AN ACT RELATING TO PROBATE PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE -- UNIFORM REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER ON DEATH ACT (Allows an owner or owners of real property to execute a deed that names one or more beneficiaries who will obtain title to the property at the owner's death without the necessity of probate.)

Last action · June 9, 2026: Senate passed as amended (floor amendment)Sponsors: Dawn Euer and 8 others

Bill progressHistory & official text ↓

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

Law

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What This Bill Proposed

Official description

AN ACT RELATING TO PROBATE PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE -- UNIFORM REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER ON DEATH ACT (Allows an owner or owners of real property to execute a deed that names one or more beneficiaries who will obtain title to the property at the owner's death without the necessity of probate.)

Why it matters

Changes how real estate can be transferred upon death by introducing a new deed type that avoids formal administration for designated beneficiaries.

Who It Would Have Affected

Groups the bill's text would have affected, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Property owners

Property owners gain the legal option to use a transfer-on-death deed to pass real estate to beneficiaries outside of probate.

Directly affected

Beneficiaries

Beneficiaries obtain title to real property directly upon the owner's death without needing to go through probate court.

Key Facts

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does this act require going through probate court to transfer the property?

No, the designated beneficiaries obtain title to the property upon the owner's death without the necessity of .

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

This bill did not become law - Died at adjournment · passed the Senate.

Procedural history

7 actions

Jun 9, 2026Floor
Senate passed as amended (floor amendment)
Jun 4, 2026
Placed on Senate Calendar (06/09/2026)
Jun 2, 2026Floor
Committee recommends passage
May 30, 2026
Scheduled for consideration (06/02/2026)
Apr 28, 2026
Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Apr 24, 2026
Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/28/2026)

Show 1 earlier action

Jan 9, 2026Introduced
Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary

Version history

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