Housing

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7445: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- FAITH-BASED AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT ACT

Allows faith-based organizations to develop affordable and mixed-use housing on land they own as a by-right use, set statewide development standards, limit local barriers, and streamline approvals to expand housing supply.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly enables faith-based organizations to develop affordable housing via streamlined approvals and reduced local barriers, directly expanding housing supply and advancing affordable housing goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Development

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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

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 7296: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING--PARKING SPACES

Permits Tiverton to require two parking space for each studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom low- or moderate-income housing units upon the determination that limited or no local public transportation or off-street parking availability near these units.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill requires parking for low/moderate-income housing to address lack of parking/public transport, supporting housing viability and accessibility.90% confidence

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 2, 2026

HR 7340: HOUSE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY URGING RHODE ISLAND INSURERS AND THE RHODE ISLAND PROPERTY INSURANCE ASSOCIATION TO REDUCE INSURANCE COSTS ON LOCAL RESIDENTS BY PURSUING SUBROGATION CLAIMS AGAINST POLLUTERS WHO KNOWINGLY ENGAGED IN MISLEADING AND DECEPTIVE PRACTICES REGARDING THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THEIR PRODUCTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE

HR 7340 is a non-binding House resolution urging Rhode Island insurers and the Rhode Island Property Insurance Association to pursue subrogation claims against fossil fuel polluters who knowingly misled the public about climate impacts. It directly affects homeowners by seeking to lower insurance costs through reimbursement from polluters, similar to past cases involving tobacco and opioids. The resolution does not create new laws but encourages insurers to use existing legal mechanisms to recover costs from polluters responsible for climate-related damages that drive up premiums. It was introduced to the House Corporations committee on January 28, 2026.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill seeks to lower homeowners' insurance costs by pursuing subrogation claims against polluters, directly reducing financial burdens on housing affordability without creating new housing programs.85% confidence

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signed · Rhode Island · House Apr 10, 2026

HB 7047: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES

HB 7047 authorizes the town council of Little Compton to establish a homestead exemption for residential properties, reducing local property tax burdens for qualifying residents. It directly affects homeowners in Little Compton who live in their homes year-round, automatically qualifying registered voters without applications, while non-voter residents must apply with proof of residency (e.g., driver’s license, utility bill). The exemption starts at 10% of the town’s mean property value and can be adjusted annually between 5% and 15% by the town council. The bill also allows exemptions for second homes and rental properties meeting specific occupancy and lease terms. This is a local tax policy change specific to Little Compton, not a statewide law.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesReduces property taxes for qualifying homeowners via homestead exemption, providing direct tax relief to residents without increasing government spending.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill reduces property taxes for homeowners, lowering housing costs and increasing affordability for qualifying residents in Little Compton.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 28, 2026

SB 2268: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING

Allows faith-based organizations to develop affordable housing on land they own provided at least 50 % of the housing to be developed is low- or moderate-income housing and the land is owned or held in trust by the faith-based organizations.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill enables faith-based orgs to develop affordable housing by removing local barriers and expanding supply, directly increasing affordable housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homelessness

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 2, 2026

SB 2275: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING -- PROCEDURE FOR APPROVAL OF CONSTRUCTION

Restores the requirement that a local review board issue findings for denial in reviewing a comprehensive permit request and clarifies that affordable housing units shall be included in each town and city when the building permits for units are granted.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates inclusion of affordable housing units in new permits and requires review boards to justify denials, directly advancing affordable housing development goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Building Codes

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 18, 2026

HB 7034: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RHODE ISLAND FAIR HOUSING PRACTICES ACT

HB 7034 prohibits landlords and housing agents in Rhode Island from asking applicants about prior incarceration or discriminating against them based on that status. It amends the Fair Housing Practices Act to explicitly ban such inquiries and discrimination, protecting individuals who have been released from prison. The bill also maintains existing protections against discrimination based on race, gender, disability, and other factors. This directly affects landlords, rental applications, and formerly incarcerated residents seeking housing.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill prohibits housing discrimination against formerly incarcerated individuals, advancing criminal justice reform by reducing reentry barriers and protecting civil rights per Fair Housing Act amendments.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits housing discrimination based on prior incarceration, strengthening tenant protections under Rhode Island's Fair Housing Act.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Corrections Tenant Rights

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