Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2898

Introduced
3/4/26  

Caption

RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND HOUSING, RESOURCES ACT OF 1998

Note

It should be noted that the legislation is set to take effect upon passage, which emphasizes the urgency of addressing housing needs within the state. Community leaders, developers, and housing advocates will need to monitor the effects of this bill on local housing markets and community dynamics.

Impact

The proposed law significantly impacts the calculation and qualification of affordable housing units within local jurisdictions. By providing a credit for manufactured homes, it aims to incentivize towns like North Providence to incorporate more affordable housing units into their planning and zoning frameworks. This alteration could lead to increased availability of affordable housing units for older citizens and those in need, contributing to the overall welfare of the community.

Summary

S2898, titled 'An Act Relating to State Affairs and Government – Rhode Island Housing Resources Act of 1998,' introduces amendments to allow the town of North Providence to receive a one-half credit for affordable housing units designated as manufactured homes specifically located in age-restricted communities. The bill aims to encourage the development of affordable housing options in compliance with local zoning laws and regulations.

Contention

While the bill intends to facilitate the growth of affordable housing, it may raise questions about the adequacy of the existing zoning framework and how local ordinances align with state mandates. Stakeholders may debate the effectiveness of such credits in genuinely increasing affordable housing stock versus merely altering the way these units are accounted for without substantial changes in delivery or accessibility.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S1011

Amends the definition of affordable housing to create separate categories for housing using private or state financing as opposed to financing from the federal government.

RI H5956

Amends the definition of affordable housing to create separate categories for housing using private or state financing as opposed to financing from the federal government.

RI S0129

Amends the Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act.

RI H5920

Amends the Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act.

RI S0220

Amends Rhode Island’s existing healthcare services funding plan act by adding an account relating to a new psychiatry resource network to fund Rhode Island’s present PediPRN and MomsPRN.

RI H5461

Amends Rhode Island’s existing healthcare services funding plan act by adding an account relating to a new psychiatry resource network to fund Rhode Island’s present PediPRN and MomsPRN.

RI S0122

Establishes a program operated by the Rhode Island housing and mortgage finance corporation called the "housing land bank" to create affordable housing in RI with the authority to buy, receive, and hold real property for housing development.

RI H5409

HOUSE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY 11TH, 2025, AS "211 DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND HONORING UNITED WAY 211 FOR ITS SERVICE TO RHODE ISLANDERS

RI S0900

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.

RI H6163

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.