Housing

signed · Rhode Island · Senate May 6, 2026

SB 2422: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION

SB 2422 allows the town of Jamestown to expand tax exemptions for seniors aged 65+ who own and occupy their primary residence. It establishes income-based exemption tiers (10% to 60% off property taxes) based on household income relative to federal poverty guidelines, with stricter rules for higher-income seniors. To qualify, applicants must be Jamestown residents for five years, own only residential property (not income-producing), and provide proof of income. The bill does not change existing statewide tax rules but gives Jamestown local authority to adjust its senior exemption program through town ordinances.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax relief for low/middle-income seniors via income-based exemptions, reducing their tax burden.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides income-based property tax exemptions for seniors, reducing housing costs and advancing affordability for low-income elderly homeowners.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Property Taxes Tags Seniors

died · Rhode Island · House Feb 11, 2026

HB 7044: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- HOMELESS BILL OF RIGHTS

HB 7044 establishes an 11-member committee to develop regulations for homeless shelters in Rhode Island. The committee, including homeless individuals, advocates, shelter providers, and housing officials, will draft standards covering access policies, residents' rights, health and safety protocols, and emergency operations. These regulations will ensure shelters provide non-discriminatory services, prohibit fees, protect privacy, and maintain safe environments for residents. The bill does not immediately implement rules but creates a process for developing them through the committee's recommendations.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes homeless shelter regulations with non-discriminatory services, no fees, and privacy protections, directly addressing homelessness and tenant rights in housing context.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Tenant Rights

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in committee · Rhode Island · House Jan 16, 2026

HB 7153: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

HB 7153 changes the fee-in-lieu payment required for developers who opt not to build affordable housing units on-site. Instead of standard fees, developers must pay 150% of the average development cost for a single-family home or condo unit (with a minimum $40,000 per unit). This fee must be used exclusively by municipalities to fund new affordable housing for households earning 80% or less of the area median income. The bill affects developers in qualifying projects (10+ units) and local governments responsible for managing these funds through dedicated housing boards.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates developer fees (150% of avg cost) to fund affordable housing, directing municipal spending toward housing programs90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates 150% fee for developers to fund affordable housing for 80% AMI households, directly advancing affordable housing funding through dedicated municipal use.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Zoning

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 2367: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER SAVINGS ACCOUNT ACT

Allows an individual, who is a first-time homebuyer, to contribute funds to a first-time homebuyer savings account with Rhode Island housing to pay for eligible costs to purchase a home and receive tax deductions and exemptions.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax deductions for first-time homebuyers, offering tax relief to middle-income individuals through state tax incentives.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingTax deductions for first-time homebuyers lower purchase costs, advancing homeownership access - a core affordable housing strategy. No tenant/development focus, but directly supports housing entry points.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 26, 2026

SB 2035: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

SB 2035 requires that accessory dwelling units (ADUs) be allowed without special approval only if the property is owner-occupied and the owner has resided there for at least five years. This directly affects property owners seeking to build ADUs, as they must meet the 5-year residency requirement before ADUs can be permitted by right. The bill also sets uniform standards, including minimum size requirements (e.g., 900 sq. ft. for one-bedroom ADUs), prohibits excessive fees or discriminatory restrictions, and bans ADUs for short-term rentals. It ensures municipalities cannot impose additional lot requirements or restrict ADUs based on income unless part of specific affordable housing programs.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingImposes 5-year residency requirement on ADU construction, limiting housing development options and increasing barriers to affordable housing units.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homeownership Zoning

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 2371: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND HOUSING AND MORTGAGE FINANCE CORPORATION

Establishes a revolving fund to assist first-time home buyers and veterans to purchase a home in Rhode Island by issuing grants of up to forty thousand dollars ($40,000).

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates a $40,000 grant fund for first-time home buyers and veterans to purchase homes, directly funding affordable housing initiatives.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransSpecifically allocates $40,000 grants to veterans for home purchases, directly expanding housing benefits as a form of veteran support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership Mortgages

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 7125: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING

Authorized the town of Tiverton to require that fifty percent (50%) of new construction be affordable housing units if there is less than ten percent (10%) of affordable housing in the town.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates 50% affordable housing in new construction where <10% exists, directly increasing affordable housing availability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

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signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 18, 2026

HB 7199: 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 right to terminate leases without penalty, strengthening tenant protections per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 2267: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- BED BUGS IN RESIDENTIAL PREMISES ACT

SB 2267 requires tenants to promptly notify landlords in writing or electronically if they suspect bed bugs in their unit. Landlords must arrange for a pest control inspection within 96 hours, cover all inspection and treatment costs (including adjacent units if infested), and provide 48 hours' notice before entering for inspections or treatments. Tenants must allow access and prepare their unit for treatment, but are not required to pay for inspections or treatments unless they unreasonably refuse cooperation. The bill also prohibits landlords from renting out units known to have bed bugs. This directly affects renters and residential property owners in rental housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires landlords to cover bed bug treatment costs and respond promptly, strengthening tenant protections in housing.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 2266: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

SB 2266 bans landlords and property managers from using computer programs (including AI tools) that rely on secret rental data from other landlords or tenants to set or adjust rent for residential properties. It specifically prohibits algorithms using nonpublic competitor data - like actual rent prices, occupancy rates, or lease details - to determine rent amounts or changes. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, with limited exemptions for housing programs, monthly market reports, and basic internal record-keeping systems. It directly affects residential landlords who currently use such tools to price rentals.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBans AI algorithms using secret competitor data for rent setting, directly protecting tenants from opaque rent manipulation and strengthening tenant protections per housing topic indicators.85% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBans AI algorithms using secret competitor data for rent setting, restricting tech misuse that could harm tenant data privacy and pricing transparency.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights Artificial Intelligence

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