Housing

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 8041: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

HB 8041 allows the town of Johnston to set density bonuses - incentives for higher-density development - based on its existing zoning ordinances. This bill directly affects Johnston's local planning decisions by giving the town authority to determine these bonuses according to its current zoning framework. The key provision removes a previous restriction, enabling Johnston to align density incentives with its specific zoning classifications. This change streamlines the town's ability to manage development patterns within its designated zones. The bill is currently under review by the House Municipal Government & Housing committee.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill removes restriction on density bonuses for higher-density development, directly enabling increased housing supply through zoning incentives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development Zoning

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 7880: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- DUTIES OF UTILITIES AND CARRIERS

HB 7880 creates a tiered subsidy program to make home energy costs affordable for low-income households earning 150% of the federal poverty level or less. It requires large electric and gas utilities (with over 100,000 customers) to file income-based discount plans by January 2027, capping energy costs at 3% of income for non-electric heat users or 6% for electric heat users. Utilities must cover the cost of these discounts - plus administrative expenses - through adjusted rates paid by all customers, not just low-income households. The Public Utilities Commission must approve these plans by January 2028, and enrolled customers will receive fixed monthly discounts while being offered energy efficiency programs.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill creates income-based energy cost caps (3-6% of income) for low-income households, directly protecting utility consumers from high energy expenses.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill caps energy costs at 3-6% of income for low-income households, directly advancing housing affordability by reducing a major cost burden for housing.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Utility Regulation

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 8039: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

Clarifies the means by which attached single-family dwelling units may be created, recorded, and regulated as subdivisions of an existing lot under current zoning ordinance law.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingClarifies zoning for attached single-family units, enabling more housing development options under existing ordinances without restrictions.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 2580: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- TIVERTON'S NEW CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS ACT

Sets timelines for Tiverton's new construction, including one year for final approval, two (2) years for building permits, and temporary inclusion of units in the town's count until completion or three (3) years, whichever comes first.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill accelerates housing development by setting strict timelines for approvals and permits, directly advancing new construction projects to increase housing supply.95% confidence

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 17, 2026

HB 7658: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- HOUSING MAINTENANCE AND OCCUPANCY CODE -- NOTICE OF VIOLATIONS

Requires a housing code enforcement officer to give a copy of any housing code violation notice to all tenants of the building affected by a housing code violation along with any hearing dates scheduled for the violation.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires housing code violation notices and hearing dates to be provided to all tenants, enhancing tenant awareness and protections per housing code enforcement.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes Landlords Tenant Rights

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 26, 2026

SB 2697: 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 & TaxesImposes targeted tax on high-value real estate sales ($900k+) to fund affordable housing, increasing dedicated public service funding via new tax revenue stream.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill directs conveyance tax revenue from high-value home sales to fund affordable housing programs within 2 years, explicitly advancing housing affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Affordable Housing Property Taxes

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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

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 7, 2026

SR 2670: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $850,000 FOR NEW BRIDGES FOR HAITIAN SUCCESS

Authorizes the appropriation of $850,000 for New Bridges for Haitian Success for the purpose of residential property acquisition for transitional housing to support immigrants with temporary protected status (TPS) and asylum status.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates $850,000 for transitional housing program, directly funding a specific initiative under budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingFunds $850k for residential property acquisition to create transitional housing for TPS/asylum seekers, directly advancing affordable housing access for vulnerable populations.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationFunds transitional housing for TPS/asylum immigrants, directly providing services to support protected immigrant populations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Refugees & Asylum

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 7659: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING

Prohibits contractors from submitting a single application to a local review board seeking a comprehensive permit for housing projects in certain circumstances.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingProhibits single application for housing permits, increasing development barriers for low/moderate income projects.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Building Codes Zoning

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 2617: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

Adds a provision that allows a tenant to pay the last month's rent or any other prepaid rent. It also increases the amount that a security deposit can be requested from one to two (2) months of rent.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingIncreases security deposit limit from 1 to 2 months rent, raising financial barriers for tenants and weakening tenant protections under housing policy.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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