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.
Removes the five (5) year waiting period for filing a motion to seal an eviction court file. It also deletes the numerical limitation on filing seal requests.
Creates the division of civil representation within the department of housing and require civil representation by a Designated Legal Organization to provide legal representation to all tenants who qualify in eviction proceedings.
Maddy summarySB 553 amends the Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act. This bill allows tenants with disabilities to request to keep emotional support animals in their housing accommodations. The amendment aims to clarify protections against discrimination for these tenants regarding housing for their support animals.
Modifies the real estate sales disclosure form to include the disclosure of “blower door diagnostic air leakage testing” and advises that air leakage testing is recommended prior to purchasing a residential unit.
Creates an 11 member commission to analyze the impact and potential economic benefits of bail reforms on Black Rhode Islanders, and would report back by February 5, 2026, and expire on April 5, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 39 proposes to amend existing sales and use tax laws. It seeks to exempt scalp hair prostheses or wigs from sales tax. This exemption would apply to individuals who need these items due to hair loss caused by a medical condition.
Maddy summarySB 406, known as the Microplastics Reduction Act, aims to reduce microplastic pollution within the state. Beginning January 1, 2029, it prohibits manufacturers from selling or distributing products that contain intentionally added synthetic polymer microparticles. The bill also requires the Department of Environmental Management, in consultation with the Department of Health, to develop a microplastics testing plan by July 1, 2028, to monitor environmental media. Furthermore, by January 1, 2029, these departments must establish a statewide microplastics strategy plan to assess impacts, identify sources, and recommend policies for reduction.
Maddy summarySB 44 grants the town council of South Kingstown the authority to create a homestead exemption ordinance. This ordinance would allow the council to reduce the assessed value of certain residential or mixed-use properties for local taxation by up to 10%. The exemption applies to properties used exclusively for residential purposes (with less than five units) or for a combination of residential and commercial uses, with a prorated amount for mixed-use properties. The town council would establish rules and regulations to determine eligibility for this exemption. This act is set to take effect on December 31, 2025.
Changes term vicious to dangerous dogs, expands on requirements relative to leashes, enclosures, addresses fines, requires signage, mandates dangerous dogs be kept in enclosure and provides other requirements.
