Rep. Jay Edwards

Maddy summaryHB 6179 requires the Rhode Island Housing Authority to update the count of affordable housing units in Tiverton twice yearly. This procedural bill directly affects Tiverton (the town) and the Housing Authority (the entity responsible for the count), with no new housing programs or funding. The key provision is a simple biannual reporting requirement for existing affordable housing stock, without altering housing policies or creating new obligations. The bill is purely administrative, focusing on data collection rather than policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 6176 allows the town of Tiverton to set its own density bonus rules for affordable housing developments under its zoning ordinances, rather than following the statewide standard. While other Rhode Island towns must provide one additional market-rate unit for every affordable unit required (15% of total units for developments over 10 units), Tiverton can determine its density bonus based on its specific zoning plan. The bill does not change the core requirement that developments must include 15% affordable units for projects exceeding 10 units, but exempts Tiverton from the standard density bonus calculation. This is a procedural change specifically for Tiverton's zoning authority, with no immediate impact on other municipalities.

Includes manufactured homes on leased land under a long-term lease in excess of thirty (30) years at the time of enrollment within the classification of affordable housing.

Requires any person who applies to rent or purchase a residence located in Town of Tiverton which qualifies as low and moderate income housing, shall require proof of Rhode Island residency or employment by a local, state or federal entity.

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

Requires the town of Tiverton to require a minimum number of affordable housing units if there is less than ten percent (10%) of affordable housing in the town.

Provides that comprehensive permit projects in Tiverton, involving property not connected to either public water or sewer or both, and for which the property is considered hydric said land be excluded from the building land calculation.

Allows school committees to add item(s) not appearing in published notice to their agendas for purposes of discussion only if the revised agenda is filed with the secretary of state and posted on district website at least 48 hrs in advance of the meeting.

Validates and ratifies the amendments to the Tiverton Home Rule Charter which were approved by the electors of the town of Tiverton on November 5, 2024.

Prohibits a person to sell, offer for sale, display for sale or otherwise distribute a farmed animal fur product within the state and provides graduated civil penalties for violations.