RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING
Summary
H7778 amends Rhode Island’s low- and moderate-income housing law to expand and update the state’s housing database requirements. The bill changes the existing database of low-income rental units into a broader online database of low- or moderate-income housing, and it directs either the executive office of housing or the Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation to host it. The database would include current inventory information, contact details for developments, application materials when available, and information about special populations served, such as elderly, disabled, homeless individuals, and victims of domestic violence.
The bill also requires owners of qualifying low- or moderate-income housing to list their properties on the database, with timing rules for new developments and homeownership units. For developments completed after January 1, 2027, listings must be made before or at the time lease-up or sales begin. The act is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027.
Impact
The bill would amend Chapter 45-53 of the Rhode Island General Laws by broadening the state’s affordable housing listing framework from low-income rental units to low- or moderate-income housing, including both rental and homeownership opportunities. It would place a new affirmative duty on owners of qualifying properties to list those units on the state database, while also expanding the state’s role in maintaining and publicizing affordable housing availability. In practical terms, the measure would affect housing providers, state housing agencies, and applicants seeking affordable housing by centralizing information and making listings more accessible to the public.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears to be presented as a housing-access and transparency initiative, with no recorded committee debate or vote history provided. The sponsors and caption suggest a generally supportive posture toward improving access to affordable housing information and making it easier for residents to find available units. Because no transcripts or votes are included, there is no documented opposition or formal sentiment from legislative discussion in the provided materials.
Contention
The main policy issues raised by the bill are the expanded scope of the database and the mandatory listing requirement for property owners. Potential points of contention include whether the state should require private or quasi-private affordable housing owners to post listings, how burdensome compliance may be for developers and landlords, and whether the database will be sufficiently maintained and updated. Another possible issue is the bill’s removal of specific income-percentage language in favor of broader references to low- and moderate-income housing, which could affect how eligibility is defined and administered.
Exempts certain cities and towns whose communities exceed the low and moderate income housing threshold from the tax of the previous year's gross scheduled rental income.
Exempts certain cities and towns whose communities exceed the low and moderate income housing threshold from the tax of the previous year's gross scheduled rental income.
Specifies that low and moderate income housing exists when a city or town has adopted an inclusionary zoning ordinance requiring that all housing developments include at least fifty percent (50%) low or moderate income housing units.
Specifies that low and moderate income housing exists when a city or town has adopted an inclusionary zoning ordinance requiring that all housing developments include at least fifty percent (50%) low or moderate income housing units.
Requires municipalities to report to the RI department of housing regarding single-family low- or moderate-income housing available to rent/own. Information to be made available to the public on the department's website and emailed to interested parties.
Prohibits applications filed in the town of Tiverton, for comprehensive permit projects, for low and moderate income housing, to include accessory dwelling units.