AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RHODE ISLAND FAIR HOUSING PRACTICE ACT

SB 129 amends the Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act to expand protections against discrimination in housing. The bill adds "housing status," "lawful source of income," and "military status" (for veterans and servicemembers) as protected characteristics. It also clarifies the definition of "domestic abuse" within the act and defines "assistance animal" and "service animal." This means housing owners and agents are prohibited from inquiring about or discriminating against individuals based on these expanded categories when selling, renting, or leasing housing accommodations.