S3298 amends Rhode Island’s Homeless Bill of Rights to establish procedural protections before an encampment on public property may be forcibly removed. The bill requires the removing agency to give at least 20 days’ written notice to occupants, post the notice on the encampment, and send copies to the Executive Office of Housing and the Regional Access Points identified by that office. The notice requirement applies unless one of several exceptions exists, including immediate public safety needs, encampments in or adjacent to active construction sites, interference with infrastructure repairs or inspections, environmental hazards, or another immediate and documented public health or safety concern.
The bill defines “encampment” as a temporary outdoor shelter in a public space not meant for human habitation, including the people living there and their belongings. It also clarifies that if occupants move the encampment to another area on the same lot or a contiguous lot after notice has been given, a new notice period is not required before removal. The act would take effect on October 1, 2026.
Impact
This bill would add a new section to chapter 34-37.1 of the General Laws, expanding the state’s Homeless Bill of Rights with specific notice and coordination requirements for the removal of homeless encampments on public property. It would affect state and local agencies that conduct removals, requiring them to provide advance notice and communicate with housing officials and regional access points, while preserving authority to act quickly in enumerated safety, construction, infrastructure, and environmental circumstances.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript or vote history, so there is no documented debate or recorded sentiment from legislative proceedings. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears aimed at balancing the rights and notice needs of encampment residents with government interests in public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and environmental protection.
Contention
The main points of potential contention are the 20-day notice requirement and the scope of the exceptions allowing immediate removal. Supporters are likely to emphasize due process, stability, and coordination with housing services for unhoused individuals, while opponents may argue that the notice period could delay responses to public safety, sanitation, construction, or environmental concerns. The bill’s broad definition of encampment and its rule that moving an encampment within the same lot or to a contiguous lot does not restart the notice period may also be debated by agencies responsible for enforcement.
Updates the Homeless Bill of Rights to add rules governing the interaction with encampments and include the right to access clean and sanitary conditions.
Updates the Homeless Bill of Rights to add rules governing encampments, including the right to clean and sanitary conditions and impose penalties for violations of the rights set forth in this chapter in the amount of $500 per violation.
Imposes a property tax on non-owner occupied residential properties assessed worth at one million dollars ($1,000,000) and less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) and a higher tax on properties assessed at two million dollars ($2,000,000) or more.
Allows an owner or owners of real property to execute a deed that names one or more beneficiaries who will obtain title to the property at the owner's death without the necessity of probate.
Imposes a non-owner occupied property tax on residential properties assessed in excess of eight hundred thousand dollars ($800,000) at variable rates dependent on values assessed by local tax assessors.
Makes certain technical amendments /clarifications to the statutes relating to the assessment of real property and the timing and process to appeals thereof.
Makes certain technical amendments /clarifications to the statutes relating to the assessment of real property and the timing and process to appeals thereof.
Imposes a non-owner occupied property tax on residential properties assessed in excess of eight hundred thousand dollars ($800,000) at variable rates dependent on values assessed by local tax assessors.