Housing

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 8280: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING--PARKING SPACES

Permits Smithfield to require 2 parking spaces for each studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom low- or moderate-income housing unit upon the determination that limited or no local public transportation or off-street parking is available near these units.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingBill requires additional parking spaces for low/moderate-income housing, increasing development costs and potentially reducing affordable housing availability.75% confidence

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passed · Rhode Island · House Mar 10, 2026

HR 8262: HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING MARCH 10TH, 2026, TO BE "HOMELESS SERVICE PROVIDER DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill designates March 10, 2026, as "Homeless Service Provider Day" in Rhode Island to honor the work of organizations and individuals who support people experiencing homelessness. The resolution recognizes the efforts of nonprofits, shelter staff, outreach teams, and volunteers who provide essential services like emergency housing, meals, and case management. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Housing Network of Rhode Island/Community Housing Land Trust. The measure serves as a commemorative gesture rather than establishing new policy requirements or funding.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill honors homeless service providers who deliver essential housing and support services, indirectly supporting housing assistance efforts.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 8220: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- HOMELESSNESS EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

Creates a state-run pilot program in Rhode Island that provides paid, low-barrier employment to individuals experiencing homelessness for community beautification and cleanup projects while connecting participants to supportive services.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill addresses homelessness through employment and supportive services, aligning with housing assistance and homelessness prevention indicators.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill creates paid employment program for homeless individuals, providing wages and connecting to supportive services, advancing employment opportunities and worker benefits.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 8035: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- PROPERTY TAX/RENT FREEZE BILL

Prohibits cities or towns that implement a rent control ordinance from raising property taxes and such prohibition would last for as long as the rent control ordinance is in effect.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesProhibits property tax increases in rent-controlled areas, restricting government tax revenue growth.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill prohibits property tax increases on rent-controlled properties, directly supporting tenant protections by maintaining rent control stability and preventing financial pressure on landlords that could undermine rent control.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes Renters Tenant Rights

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 5, 2026

HB 8024: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION

HB 8024 exempts Project Hand Up's property in West Warwick from local property taxes. This includes land, buildings, and physical assets owned by the nonprofit organization. The bill directly removes Project Hand Up's property tax obligations in West Warwick. It was introduced in February 2026 and is pending committee review.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExempts Project Hand Up's housing nonprofit property from taxes, directly supporting affordable housing operations by reducing financial burden.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Taxes

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 2442: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER SAVINGS PROGRAM ACT

Establishes the first-time home buyer savings program act. Allows modifications to federal adjusted gross income for $50,000 in contributions and $150,000 of interest and dividends included in federal adjusted gross income.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax relief by allowing deductions for homebuyer savings contributions and interest/dividends, targeting middle-income first-time buyers.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates tax-advantaged savings program for first-time home buyers, directly advancing housing affordability through income modifications for contributions and interest.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 2582: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING

Authorizes 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 ✗ HousingOpposes HousingMoratorium on housing development permits delays affordable housing projects, restricting new construction and limiting housing supply.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 30, 2026

SB 2474: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

Requires landlords of residential properties built before 1978 to register lead hazard mitigation information with the department of health and the information would remain private and only accessible by specific entities.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires landlords to register lead hazard mitigation, directly protecting tenants from health risks in older housing properties.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 15, 2026

SB 2628: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES -- MINIMUM PARKING REQUIREMENTS

SB 2628 establishes statewide limits on minimum off-street parking requirements for new housing and commercial developments. It prohibits municipalities from requiring more than one parking space per single-family home, half a space per multi-family unit, or two spaces per 1,000 square feet of commercial space. The bill exempts certain projects from parking mandates, including small homes under 1,200 square feet, commercial spaces under 3,000 square feet, affordable housing, historic district buildings, and child daycare centers. Municipalities must update their zoning codes by December 31, 2026, to comply, while retaining authority over bicycle parking, loading zones, and traffic studies.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExempts affordable housing from parking mandates and reduces requirements for multi-family units, lowering development costs for housing projects.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Historic Preservation Zoning

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 18, 2026

HB 7758: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- BED BUGS IN RESIDENTIAL PREMISES ACT

HB 7758 establishes clear responsibilities for landlords and tenants regarding bed bug infestations in rental properties. Tenants must promptly notify landlords (via written or electronic notice) if they suspect bed bugs, and landlords must arrange a professional inspection within 96 hours. Landlords are responsible for all inspection and treatment costs, while tenants must allow access for inspections and prepare their unit for treatment. The bill also prohibits landlords from renting units known to have bed bugs and requires landlords to inspect adjacent units if an infestation is confirmed.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates landlord responsibility for bed bug treatment costs and tenant notification protocols, strengthening tenant protections in rental housing (directly aligns with tenant protection indicators).95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Tenant Rights

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