Housing

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 8281: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

This bill amends Rhode Island's zoning laws to allow the town of Smithfield to set its own density bonuses for affordable housing projects based on its specific zoning requirements. The legislation establishes statewide inclusionary zoning standards requiring at least 15% of new development units to remain affordable for 30 years, while permitting municipalities to offer density bonuses like additional market-rate units or reduced lot sizes in exchange for providing affordable housing. Developers can choose to build affordable units on-site, use alternative methods like off-site construction or land donations, or pay a fee-in-lieu that funds affordable housing projects elsewhere in the municipality. The bill also specifies that fee-in-lieu payments must be used exclusively for affordable housing serving families earning 80% or less of the area median income and outlines how municipalities must manage and allocate these funds.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates 15% affordable housing in new developments and allows density bonuses to encourage affordable housing projects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development Zoning

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 2910: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM LAW

This bill requires condominium associations to perform structural surveys and reserve studies to assess building conditions and future repair needs. It mandates that these associations maintain financial reserves at a minimum of 15% to ensure funds are available for necessary repairs. The legislation directly affects homeowners and property managers in condominium communities by establishing new financial and planning requirements. These provisions aim to improve long-term maintenance planning and financial stability for condominium properties without specifying particular repair projects or outcomes.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens housing by requiring financial reserves and structural surveys, protecting homeowners from unexpected repair costs and ensuring building safety.85% confidence

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 5, 2026

SB 3033: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

SB 3033 amends Rhode Island's zoning laws to establish inclusionary zoning requirements for developments in municipalities, mandating that at least 15% of units in qualifying projects be affordable housing for at least 30 years. The bill allows developers to meet these requirements through on-site construction, off-site development, land donations, or fee payments, with density bonuses that permit additional market-rate units for each affordable unit provided. While the legislation sets statewide standards for affordable housing inclusion, it specifically grants the town of North Providence the authority to determine its own density bonus calculations based on local zoning conditions.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates 15% affordable housing units in developments, directly advancing affordable housing access and inclusionary zoning.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development Zoning

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SB 2914: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING

Authorizes the town of Smithfield, if an aggregate of two hundred fifty (250) or more units should be proposed in comprehensive permit project(s), to enact an emergency moratorium until the permit requirement of § 45-53-4 are amended.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingBill allows towns to enact emergency moratoriums on housing permits when 250+ units are proposed, effectively limiting affordable housing development.75% confidence

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Feb 27, 2026

SB 2696: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING

SB 2696 proposes changes to the state's low and moderate income housing act, which governs how towns and cities provide affordable housing options. The bill would modify existing rules and requirements for affordable housing programs, though specific details of the amendments are not yet available in the official abstract. This legislation directly affects local municipalities and housing authorities that administer affordable housing initiatives. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been introduced and referred to the Senate Housing and Municipal Government committee.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill modifies low and moderate income housing act to improve affordable housing options for towns and cities, suggesting strengthening of housing programs.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Historic Preservation Housing Finance

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 2901: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- HOUSING MAINTENANCE AND OCCUPANCY CODE

Allows for a tenant to withhold payment of rent and deposit the rent accruing into an escrow bearing account, upon the issuance of a second notice of violation by an enforcing officer for any state or local minimum housing code enforcement agency.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens tenant protections by allowing rent withholding for housing code violations, advancing tenant rights and housing safety.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes Renters Tenant Rights

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 3161: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

Authorizes municipalities, through ordinance, to require private real property owners to obtain a license to operate a dwelling unit as student housing.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingBill requires licensing for student housing, creating regulatory barriers that could limit housing development and reduce affordable housing options.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Zoning

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 20, 2026

SB 2896: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM OWNERSHIP

Clarifies how condominium insurance deductibles and unpaid losses are divided between associations and unit owners, require owners to insure units if associations do not, and allow boards to manage and use insurance proceeds for repairs.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill clarifies condominium insurance responsibilities, protecting unit owners and associations from financial risk, which supports housing stability and property rights.75% confidence

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 5, 2026

SR 2848: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 TO SOJOURNER HOUSE IN RHODE ISLAND

Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $500,000 to Sojourner House to support its permanent housing development program that provides safe, secure housing to individuals and families fleeing from dangerous situations.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $500,000 to fund Sojourner House's housing program, directly increasing government spending for essential public services.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides $500,000 funding to Sojourner House for permanent housing development, directly supporting affordable housing and housing assistance programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Property Development

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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

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Tax Credits Affordable Housing Historic Preservation

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