Housing

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 10, 2026

SB 2041: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES

SB 2041 authorizes the town council of Little Compton to establish a homestead exemption that reduces property taxes for residential homeowners. The exemption starts at 10% of the town's average property value in the first year and can be adjusted annually between 5% and 15% by town meeting vote. Registered voters who live in and own their homes automatically qualify, while non-voter residents must apply with ID and utility proof. Rental properties with fixed-year leases may also qualify under specific conditions. This bill directly affects Little Compton homeowners and renters meeting residency requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax relief for homeowners via homestead exemption, reducing taxable burden for residential property owners as described in bill summary.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingReduces property taxes for homeowners, lowering costs and supporting affordable housing access for owners through homestead exemption.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Jan 9, 2026

SB 2043: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

SB 2043 requires owners of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) not occupied by family members or caretakers to rent them only at rates considered "affordable" under existing state law (§ 42-128-8.1). This directly affects ADU owners who rent to non-family tenants, mandating compliance with statewide affordable housing definitions. The bill also prohibits ADUs from being used for tourist rentals and voids private restrictions (like HOA rules) that conflict with these requirements. It does not change ADU construction rules but ensures rental rates for non-family-occupied units align with state affordability standards.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates affordable rent rates for ADUs and bans tourist rentals, directly increasing affordable housing availability and protecting tenant rights under state law.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters Zoning

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 2232: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- REAL ESTATE CONVEYANCE TAX

Allows a municipality to set its own conveyance tax rate for residential properties sold in excess of $900,000.00 at $10 per $500. Provides collected taxes to be in a restricted account and distributed within 2 years for affordable housing.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesDirects conveyance tax revenue from high-value property sales to fund affordable housing, advancing public housing initiatives through targeted taxation.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates conveyance tax revenue from high-value residential sales be allocated exclusively to affordable housing programs within 2 years.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Taxes

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 2271: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

Limits rent increases to no more than 4% annually unless the landlord is granted an exemption by secretary of housing, and provides tenants with civil action to recover damages, including award of attorneys' fees and punitive damages, for any violations.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingLimits annual rent increases to 4% and enables tenants to sue for damages with attorney fees, strengthening tenant protections and affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters 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 · Senate Apr 2, 2026

SB 2265: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

Limits municipal minimum lot sizes for residential use to 2,500 sq ft near transit, 5,000 sq. ft with water/sewer, and 1 acre otherwise, while protecting farmlands, forests, and wetlands, and requiring zoning updates to comply.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProtects farmlands, forests, and wetlands - direct conservation measures aligning with environmental protection goals.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingReduces minimum lot sizes to increase housing density near transit, enabling more affordable housing units and advancing development goals.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates smaller lot sizes near transit, promoting transit-oriented development to increase public transit accessibility and reduce car dependency.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 7293: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND HOUSING RESOURCES ACT OF 1998

Allows the town of Tiverton to receive a one-half (1/2) credit for affordable housing units for manufactured homes in age restricted communities in conformance with all zoning laws and/or ordinances of the town.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill enables Tiverton to receive credit for affordable manufactured home units in age-restricted communities, directly advancing affordable housing development through zoning-compliant incentives.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Zoning

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Jan 9, 2026

SB 2038: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

SB 2038 caps the size of accessory dwelling units (ADUs, or small secondary homes on residential lots) at 900 square feet for one-bedroom units and 1,000 square feet for two-bedroom units. It requires all municipalities to follow uniform statewide rules, prohibiting excessive fees, parking mandates, or restrictions based on family status or income for ADU applications. The bill also prevents local governments from imposing extra lot requirements, limiting ADUs to pre-existing homes, or restricting ADUs in new developments. Homeowners, property owners, and local zoning authorities are directly affected by these standardized size limits and procedural rules.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRemoves local barriers to ADU development (fees, parking mandates, income restrictions) enabling more affordable housing units through standardized statewide rules.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

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died · Rhode Island · House Jan 27, 2026

HB 7299: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES

Permits every municipality in the state to offer a homestead tax exemption of up to 20% of assessed value on residential properties, and also provides that municipalities that grant greater exemptions not be limited by this section.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesPermits homestead tax exemptions up to 20%, reducing property tax burden for homeowners - direct tax relief measure for residential properties.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides 20% homestead tax exemption for residential properties, reducing owner costs and increasing housing affordability for homeowners.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Sales Tax Tax Incentives Property Taxes

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7219: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

HB 7219 establishes statewide standards for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), small secondary homes on residential properties, while giving municipalities the option to adopt these rules. It requires towns to allow one ADU per lot under specific conditions (e.g., owner-occupied for disability accommodations, large lots, or within existing structures) and sets clear limits on ADU size (minimum 900 sq. ft. studio or 1,200 sq. ft. two-bedroom), prohibits excessive fees or discriminatory restrictions, and bans bans on ADUs in new developments. The bill also prevents municipalities from requiring extra lot size or parking for ADUs, voids conflicting private property restrictions, and bans ADUs for short-term rentals. These rules take effect July 1, 2026, and apply to homeowners, renters, and local governments that choose to implement the standards.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEnables ADUs with size limits and anti-discrimination rules, increasing housing options and accessibility for disabled owners.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership Zoning

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