This bill (SR 2252) is a joint resolution appropriating $75,000 from the state treasury to Jewish Collaborative Services (JCS) for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The funds will support JCS’s existing programs providing culturally specific services, including food assistance (like Rhode Island’s only kosher pantry), senior meals, housing support, and resources for underserved groups such as low-income families, immigrants, seniors, and people with disabilities. The resolution directly affects JCS, which serves all Rhode Islanders in need regardless of religion, and aims to sustain their community-wide support services. This is a funding allocation, not a new policy, with no additional requirements or changes to existing laws.
HB 7130 modifies the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act by allowing tenants to pay an increased security deposit in monthly installments over 12 months instead of paying the full amount upfront. This provision directly affects residential tenants in rental properties where landlords seek to raise security deposits. The key mechanism is the structured payment plan, replacing a single lump-sum requirement with smaller, manageable monthly payments. The bill focuses on easing financial burdens for tenants facing higher deposit demands without altering the deposit amount itself.
SB 2039 exempts AS220's real and tangible personal property located in Providence from property taxes. This bill amends Rhode Island's property tax code to add AS220 to the list of entities qualifying for tax exemptions. The exemption directly affects AS220's properties in Providence, removing their tax liability under the state's existing exemption framework.
SB 2041 authorizes the town council of Little Compton to establish a homestead exemption that reduces property taxes for residential homeowners. The exemption starts at 10% of the town's average property value in the first year and can be adjusted annually between 5% and 15% by town meeting vote. Registered voters who live in and own their homes automatically qualify, while non-voter residents must apply with ID and utility proof. Rental properties with fixed-year leases may also qualify under specific conditions. This bill directly affects Little Compton homeowners and renters meeting residency requirements.
SB 2043 requires owners of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) not occupied by family members or caretakers to rent them only at rates considered "affordable" under existing state law (§ 42-128-8.1). This directly affects ADU owners who rent to non-family tenants, mandating compliance with statewide affordable housing definitions. The bill also prohibits ADUs from being used for tourist rentals and voids private restrictions (like HOA rules) that conflict with these requirements. It does not change ADU construction rules but ensures rental rates for non-family-occupied units align with state affordability standards.
Allows a municipality to set its own conveyance tax rate for residential properties sold in excess of $900,000.00 at $10 per $500. Provides collected taxes to be in a restricted account and distributed within 2 years for affordable housing.
Limits rent increases to no more than 4% annually unless the landlord is granted an exemption by secretary of housing, and provides tenants with civil action to recover damages, including award of attorneys' fees and punitive damages, for any violations.
Establishes rules and procedures for licensing emergency shelters for homeless persons, including setting minimum standards and prohibiting the charging of fees to the residents.
Limits municipal minimum lot sizes for residential use to 2,500 sq ft near transit, 5,000 sq. ft with water/sewer, and 1 acre otherwise, while protecting farmlands, forests, and wetlands, and requiring zoning updates to comply.
Allows the town of Tiverton to receive a one-half (1/2) credit for affordable housing units for manufactured homes in age restricted communities in conformance with all zoning laws and/or ordinances of the town.
