Housing

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 18, 2026

SB 2690: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING

Amends the current law on low-income housing to include moderate-income housing and eliminates the income percentages used to determine qualifications for low or moderate income housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands housing assistance eligibility to moderate-income households by eliminating income percentage thresholds, directly advancing affordable housing access.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 18, 2026

HB 7199: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT -- RHODE ISLAND SURVIVOR EARLY LEASE TERMINATION ACT

Grants tenants that are the victim of various forms of abuse including, but not limited to, sexual and domestic abuse and stalking, the right to terminate a lease agreement early without penalty or liability for rent. Effective 7/1/26.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingGrants abuse victims right to terminate leases without penalty, strengthening tenant protections per bill summary.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 18, 2026

SB 2291: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT -- RHODE ISLAND SURVIVOR EARLY LEASE TERMINATION ACT

Grants tenants that are the victim of various forms of abuse including, but not limited to, sexual and domestic abuse and stalking, the right to terminate a lease agreement early without penalty or liability for rent. Effective 7/1/26.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingGrants abuse victims tenant right to terminate leases early without penalty, strengthening tenant protections under housing policies.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 11, 2026

SB 3186: AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF JAMESTOWN TO FUND AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECTS AND TO ISSUE NOT MORE THAN $3,000,000 BONDS AND NOTES THEREFOR

Proposes a bond measure to authorize the Town of Jamestown to issue up to three million dollars ($3,000,000) in general obligation bonds, subject to voter approval, to support affordable housing projects in Jamestown.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes issuance of $3M in bonds to fund affordable housing, directly increasing public funding for essential services.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill authorizes funding via bonds to support affordable housing projects, directly advancing the topic.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 11, 2026

HB 7777: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- GENERAL POWERS--WARWICK MUNICIPAL COURT

HB 7777 expands the Warwick municipal court's authority to handle cases involving zoning violations, housing maintenance codes, building regulations, and related local ordinances. The bill removes the court's power to impose jail sentences, restricting penalties to fines of up to $500 per violation. It also grants the court the ability to order repairs or corrective actions for housing code violations, such as fixing unsafe dwellings. This change directly affects residents and property owners in Warwick who face enforcement under these housing, building, and zoning codes.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates court-ordered repairs for unsafe housing code violations, strengthening tenant safety protections without jail penalties. Directly addresses housing maintenance enforcement.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 10, 2026

HB 8403: AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF JAMESTOWN TO FUND AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECTS AND TO ISSUE NOT MORE THAN $3,000,000 BONDS AND NOTES THEREFOR

Proposes a bond measure to authorize the Town of Jamestown to issue up to three million dollars ($3,000,000) in general obligation bonds, subject to voter approval, to support affordable housing projects in Jamestown.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes $3M in bonds to fund affordable housing, directly increasing public spending on essential community services.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill authorizes bonds to fund affordable housing projects, directly advancing the topic.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Rhode Island · Senate May 6, 2026

SB 2422: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION

SB 2422 allows the town of Jamestown to expand tax exemptions for seniors aged 65+ who own and occupy their primary residence. It establishes income-based exemption tiers (10% to 60% off property taxes) based on household income relative to federal poverty guidelines, with stricter rules for higher-income seniors. To qualify, applicants must be Jamestown residents for five years, own only residential property (not income-producing), and provide proof of income. The bill does not change existing statewide tax rules but gives Jamestown local authority to adjust its senior exemption program through town ordinances.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax relief for low/middle-income seniors via income-based exemptions, reducing their tax burden.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides income-based property tax exemptions for seniors, reducing housing costs and advancing affordability for low-income elderly homeowners.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Rhode Island · House May 6, 2026

HB 7151: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION

HB 7151 allows the town of Jamestown to create a new property tax exemption program for seniors aged 65+ who own and occupy their primary residence. The bill establishes income-based exemption tiers (ranging from 10% to 60% of property value) based on household income relative to federal poverty guidelines, with strict residency requirements (5 years in Jamestown). It explicitly excludes income-producing properties (like home offices or rental units) and requires applicants to provide income documentation. This bill directly affects eligible Jamestown seniors meeting the income, residency, and property-use criteria.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates income-based property tax exemptions for low-income seniors, providing tax relief and reducing their tax burden per federal poverty guidelines.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides property tax relief for seniors (65+) on primary residences, reducing housing costs through income-based exemptions under federal poverty guidelines.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Rhode Island · House Apr 10, 2026

HB 7047: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES

HB 7047 authorizes the town council of Little Compton to establish a homestead exemption for residential properties, reducing local property tax burdens for qualifying residents. It directly affects homeowners in Little Compton who live in their homes year-round, automatically qualifying registered voters without applications, while non-voter residents must apply with proof of residency (e.g., driver’s license, utility bill). The exemption starts at 10% of the town’s mean property value and can be adjusted annually between 5% and 15% by the town council. The bill also allows exemptions for second homes and rental properties meeting specific occupancy and lease terms. This is a local tax policy change specific to Little Compton, not a statewide law.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesReduces property taxes for qualifying homeowners via homestead exemption, providing direct tax relief to residents without increasing government spending.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill reduces property taxes for homeowners, lowering housing costs and increasing affordability for qualifying residents in Little Compton.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing