Allows the operation of a home-based business, which meets criteria for home office IRS income tax deduction, without securing approval from the municipality with no storage of chemicals/park heavy equipment/not more than 10% of premises used for parking.
Prohibits any city, town, quasi-municipal corporation or public corporation from assessing any existing agricultural operation or agricultural land any water impact fee, excepting base useable charges.
Creates rodent integrated pest management pilot programs for municipalities. That choose to participate. Reports would be approved by the municipality's mayor or administrator and would be submitted to the department of environmental management.
HB 5952 creates a Home Ownership Assistance Account within Rhode Island's Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation to expand homeownership opportunities for low-income residents. The account, funded by 25% of monies from a specific state revenue source, directly assists households at or below the area median income, with priority for seniors, veterans, people of color, Indigenous people, people with disabilities, and agricultural workers. Funds will provide down payment grants, support homeownership programs, and offer technical assistance to organizations focused on increasing homeownership - especially for people of color - while requiring long-term affordability measures like shared equity. The Corporation must distribute funds statewide but prioritize areas with the greatest need, aiming to reverse declining homeownership rates among marginalized groups.
Requires developer who proposes to develop a project shall submit a comprehensive assessment of the project to each municipality where the project shall be physically located.
HB 5949 amends Rhode Island zoning law to require all towns and cities to "affirmatively further fair housing" in their zoning ordinances. This means municipalities must actively promote equitable housing access for specific groups, including seniors, workers, students, people with disabilities, veterans, and historically marginalized communities. The bill adds a new requirement (section 17) that zoning codes must address housing needs across income levels and protect against discrimination based on protected characteristics like race or disability. It specifically mandates consideration for affordable housing options for low-, moderate-, and very-low-income households, as well as accessible housing for seniors and people with disabilities. This change applies to all zoning ordinances and requires municipalities to update their codes within 12 months of implementation.
Required public auctions by any city or town of real estate or an interest therein to only be done in person and not by electronic or remote procedures unless authorized by court order.
This bill adds the Workers' Compensation Administration Fund to a list of state funds exempt from having 10% of their cash receipts transferred to the general fund as indirect cost recoveries. It directly affects the workers' compensation program by ensuring its dedicated funds remain separate from general revenue. The key provision modifies Section 35-4-27 to exclude this specific fund from the standard 10% indirect cost recovery rule. This is a procedural change to fund management, not a new policy.
Criminalizes the unauthorized dissemination of sexually explicit images of another person that are created by digital devices or created without the consent of the person depicted.
Requires nonprofit, as a condition for requesting state funds from the general assembly, to submit & post on their website, a list of10 of their highest paid director, officer & employee salaries & any forms of compensation provided to those individuals.
HB 5868 prohibits courts or authorities from forcing individuals to hand over their private cryptographic keys that unlock digital assets (like cryptocurrency), digital identities, or related rights in any legal proceeding. It directly affects people holding digital assets by protecting their private keys from compelled disclosure, except when a public key cannot access the information. The bill allows authorities to still require disclosure of the digital asset itself or related information, but not the private key. This law would take effect immediately upon passage and applies to all civil, criminal, and administrative cases in the state.
HB 5636 requires virtual currency kiosk operators in the state to provide customers with a choice of paper or electronic receipts for every transaction, starting January 1, 2026. The receipts must include specific details like the customer's wallet address, account owner's full name, unique transaction ID, and the company's fraud refund policy statement. Operators must also send an electronic copy of each transaction to the customer's email or record on file. This law directly affects businesses operating virtual currency kiosks within the state, mandating clear transaction documentation to enhance transparency and consumer protection.
