This bill amends Rhode Island's inclusionary zoning law to require that developments with ten or more units include at least 15% affordable housing for a minimum of 30 years. It allows municipalities to offer density bonuses, such as adding two market-rate units for every affordable unit, or to accept alternative contributions like off-site construction, land donations, or fee-in-lieu payments instead of on-site affordable units. However, projects using these alternative methods are not eligible for the density bonus, and any fees collected must be deposited into restricted accounts to fund new affordable housing within the municipality. The legislation also establishes annual reporting requirements for municipalities and the state to track fee collections and the creation of affordable housing units.
This bill updates state laws to create uniform definitions and standards for accessory dwelling units, which are secondary living spaces like garage conversions or detached units on single-family lots. By amending specific sections of the zoning chapter, it establishes clear rules for what constitutes an ADU and clarifies related terms such as abutters, buffers, and building heights. These changes require all towns and cities to apply consistent criteria when reviewing applications for these types of residential additions, ensuring a standardized approach across the state.
Adopts a counseling compact for the interstate practice of licensed professional counselors by providing for the mutual recognition of other member state licenses governed and administrated by commission.
Provides amendments to the membership provisions of planning boards or commissions and would enable municipalities to establish "combined review boards" to replace separate planning and zoning boards.
HB 7013, known as Ryan's Law, amends existing regulations to give licensing boards the authority to fine healthcare professionals who overprescribe controlled substances and cause deaths. The bill establishes a tiered fine system where a first offense incurs no monetary penalty, while subsequent offenses can result in fines up to $1,000 for the second charge and $5,000 for each additional charge. Most notably, the law mandates a minimum three-year probationary period for any licensee found guilty of overprescribing that results in death, during which further related violations could lead to license suspension or revocation. Additionally, the act allows boards to assess administrative costs for disciplinary proceedings, capped at $5,000, and requires the Department of Health to create rules guiding how these sanctions are applied.
Amends provisions re insurance producer appointments and clarifies language re insurance claims adjusters. Amends the RI life & health guarantee assoc act. Adds insurance data security and pet insurance acts and unfair discrimination prohibitions.
This bill grants the Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation (RIHMFC) the exclusive authority to manage federal funds for low-income housing projects across the state. It establishes that only the RIHMFC, its authorized partners, or related organizations may administer these specific rental subsidy allocations, effectively limiting other public housing agencies from doing so. The legislation also expands the RIHMFC's operational powers to include entering into statewide agreements and forming partnerships to carry out these housing assistance programs. By centralizing control over these funds, the bill aims to streamline how low- and moderate-income housing assistance is distributed within Rhode Island.
This bill updates the rules for mail ballot drop boxes in Rhode Island to ensure earlier access for voters. It requires these secure containers to be open 35 days before state and federal elections, and 20 days before special elections, operating 24 hours a day when located outside municipal buildings. The law also mandates that drop boxes be clearly labeled, monitored by video surveillance, accessible to people with disabilities, and publicly listed on local and state websites. Additionally, it specifies that no town or city can have fewer than one drop box and outlines procedures for securing ballots after polls close on election day.
This bill updates the legal definition of low and moderate income housing in Rhode Island to include rental properties secured by federal government vouchers, such as Section 8. By making this change, the law requires cities and towns to count these voucher-assisted units toward their local requirements for affordable housing inventory. Effective July 1, 2024, municipalities must verify that these vouchers are active and in good standing before counting them as one full housing unit. This adjustment aims to ensure that federally subsidized rental assistance is recognized alongside other forms of government-subsidized housing in local planning and zoning regulations.
Makes care recipients eligible for temporary caregiver benefits and increase the maximum temporary caregiver benefit weeks from six (6) to eight (8) weeks over of period of two years.
Adopts the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact and would establish a joint public agency known as the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Compact commission to administer the provisions of the compact between the states.
This bill updates the membership structure of Rhode Island's Small Business Advocacy Council to ensure broader representation of small business owners and nonprofit leaders. It increases the total number of public members from ten to twenty-one, requiring that all public members be officers, partners, or proprietors of small businesses or nonprofits as defined by federal standards. The legislation also adjusts appointment terms and processes, specifying that members serve three-year terms starting in June and detailing which state officials appoint specific representatives. Additionally, the bill clarifies that council members receive no compensation for their service while allowing the council to request necessary administrative support.
