Housing (Homelessness)

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 21, 2026

SB 3298: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- HOMELESS BILL OF RIGHTS

SB 3298 amends the Homeless Bill of Rights to require government agencies to give at least 20 days' written notice before forcibly removing homeless encampments from public property. The notice must be posted directly on the encampment and sent to housing officials, though this rule does not apply in cases involving immediate safety risks, active construction sites, environmental hazards, or scheduled infrastructure work. The law defines an encampment as a temporary outdoor shelter with personal belongings and allows people to move their belongings to nearby areas without triggering a new notice period. This legislation applies to all public spaces not intended for human habitation and takes effect on October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens homeless protections by requiring advance notice before removing encampments, aligning with tenant and housing rights.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 3019: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $200,000 TO THE HOUSING NETWORK: THE RHODE ISLAND ASSOCIATION OF NONPROFIT HOUSING DEVELOPERS, DBA HOUSING NETWORK OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill proposes to allocate $200,000 from the state treasury to the Housing Network of Rhode Island for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The funds are intended to support the organization's work in strengthening nonprofit housing developers, coordinating homeless service providers, and improving housing outcomes across the state. The resolution authorizes the state controller to make this payment from unappropriated funds upon receipt of proper documentation. This measure directly affects the Housing Network of Rhode Island and aims to address broader housing and homelessness challenges through increased organizational capacity.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $200,000 in state funding to support nonprofit housing developers and homeless services, directly advancing budget appropriations for essential public services.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill allocates $200,000 to Housing Network of Rhode Island to strengthen nonprofit housing developers, coordinate homeless services, and improve housing outcomes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Homelessness

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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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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Feb 13, 2026

SB 2621: 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 HousingAddresses homelessness via employment program connecting to services, aligning with housing support indicators for homelessness85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates paid employment program for homeless individuals with supportive services, advancing job opportunities and workforce inclusion.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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passed · Rhode Island · House May 22, 2026

HB 8000: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- HOMELESS BILL OF RIGHTS

HB 8000 requires local agencies to provide at least 15 days' written notice to people living in outdoor encampments on public property before removing or relocating them. This applies to homeless individuals and their belongings in temporary shelters, directly affecting those residing in such encampments. Exceptions to the notice requirement include immediate public safety risks (like active construction sites, environmental hazards, or infrastructure repairs). The bill mandates agencies also notify local homelessness outreach services when providing notice, unless one of the five safety exceptions applies. It takes effect upon passage.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires 15-day notice before relocating homeless individuals from encampments, directly protecting vulnerable residents and addressing homelessness through tenant rights safeguards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Tenant Rights

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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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died · Rhode Island · House Feb 11, 2026

HB 7225: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- EMERGENCY SHELTERS

Establishes rules and procedures for licensing emergency shelters for homeless persons, including setting minimum standards and prohibiting the charging of fees to the residents.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes emergency shelter licensing with no fees, directly addressing homelessness and protecting homeless residents through mandatory standards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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died · Rhode Island · House Feb 25, 2026

HB 7286: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- HOMELESS BILL OF RIGHTS

Updates the Homeless Bill of Rights law to add rules governing the interaction with encampments and includes the right to access clean and sanitary conditions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill protects homeless individuals' civil rights (sanitary conditions) during encampment interactions, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of reducing unnecessary criminalization.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingUpdates Homeless Bill of Rights to include encampment interaction rules and right to clean sanitary conditions, strengthening protections for homeless individuals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Tenant Rights

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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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