Housing

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 18, 2026

SB 2690: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING

Amends the current law on low-income housing to include moderate-income housing and eliminates the income percentages used to determine qualifications for low or moderate income housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands housing assistance eligibility to moderate-income households by eliminating income percentage thresholds, directly advancing affordable housing access.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 18, 2026

SB 2291: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT -- RHODE ISLAND SURVIVOR EARLY LEASE TERMINATION ACT

Grants tenants that are the victim of various forms of abuse including, but not limited to, sexual and domestic abuse and stalking, the right to terminate a lease agreement early without penalty or liability for rent. Effective 7/1/26.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingGrants abuse victims tenant right to terminate leases early without penalty, strengthening tenant protections under housing policies.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 11, 2026

SB 3186: AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF JAMESTOWN TO FUND AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECTS AND TO ISSUE NOT MORE THAN $3,000,000 BONDS AND NOTES THEREFOR

Proposes a bond measure to authorize the Town of Jamestown to issue up to three million dollars ($3,000,000) in general obligation bonds, subject to voter approval, to support affordable housing projects in Jamestown.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes issuance of $3M in bonds to fund affordable housing, directly increasing public funding for essential services.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill authorizes funding via bonds to support affordable housing projects, directly advancing the topic.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 9, 2026

SB 2895: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

This bill amends Rhode Island zoning laws to allow the town of Smithfield to set its own density bonuses for developments that include affordable housing. The legislation establishes requirements for inclusionary zoning, mandating that at least 15% of units in qualifying developments remain affordable for 30 years, while also permitting municipalities to offer incentives like additional market-rate units or reduced lot sizes to encourage affordable housing. Developers can choose to build affordable units on-site, off-site, through land donations, or by paying a fee, though those opting for fees or off-site construction cannot receive density bonuses. The bill also sets minimum standards for affordable housing fees and outlines how municipalities must manage and allocate these funds for future affordable housing projects.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates 15% affordable housing units in developments and allows density bonuses to encourage affordable housing construction.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 9, 2026

SB 3163: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

Allows for the sealing of an eviction record for a defective complaint and/or lack of jurisdiction and would, upon motion of a person between 18 and 21 years of age, seal a person's association with an eviction under certain circumstances.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill allows sealing eviction records for young adults, protecting tenant rights and reducing barriers to future housing opportunities.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 9, 2026

SB 2269: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- HOUSING MAINTENANCE AND OCCUPANCY CODE -- NOTICE OF VIOLATIONS

Requires a housing code enforcement officer to give a copy of any housing code violation notice to all tenants of the building affected by an alleged housing code violation, along with any hearing dates scheduled for the violation.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires housing code violation notices to be given to all tenants, strengthening tenant rights and transparency in enforcement procedures.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 5, 2026

SB 3158: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

This bill requires landlords to give tenants a receipt whenever rent is paid in cash. The rule applies to all residential rental properties covered by the state's Landlord and Tenant Act. Landlords must provide the receipt at the exact moment they receive the cash payment. This change aims to create a clear record of cash transactions between landlords and tenants. The law will take effect immediately upon being passed.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens tenant protections by requiring landlords to provide receipts for cash rent payments, creating clear transaction records and reducing potential disputes.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 5, 2026

SB 3151: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- HISTORIC PRESERVATION TAX CREDITS 2013

Increases historic tax credit to 30%, and up to 35%, depending on the amount of rental area available for multi-family housing, affordable rental units and units sold as affordable housing.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases historic preservation tax credits, providing tax relief and encouraging affordable housing development through fiscal incentives.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill increases historic tax credits for affordable rental units and multi-family housing, directly supporting housing development and affordability.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 5, 2026

SB 2421: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING

Prohibits contractors from submitting a single application to a local review board seeking a comprehensive permit for housing projects in certain circumstances.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingProhibits streamlined permitting for housing projects, likely slowing development of low/moderate income housing as required by title.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Housing

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 4, 2026

SB 3159: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RESIDENTIAL REUSE INCENTIVE ACT

Creates a state program and fund to finance adaptive reuse and mixed-use housing projects, requires affordable units and labor standards, and provides oversight to expand housing until 2035.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates a state program and fund to finance housing projects, indicating government funding for essential programs and fiscal investment in housing infrastructure.75% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates funding program for affordable housing projects, mandates affordable units, and expands housing development through 2035.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

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