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RI H7225
Bill
Status
1/21/2026
Primary Sponsor
John Lombardi
Click for details
AI Summary
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Executive Office of Housing must establish an emergency shelter license application by January 1, 2027, with licenses issued at no fee and non-transferable without written approval from the Secretary
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Licensed shelters must provide safe temporary residence, drinking water, proper bathroom facilities, written privacy/confidentiality policies, and posted procedures for safely transferring residents who can no longer stay
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Emergency shelters established due to natural disasters, fires, hurricanes, blizzards, or similar events are exempt from licensing requirements
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Shelters prohibited from charging fees for shelter or personal care items including linens, toiletries, and diapers; voluntary savings accounts for financial literacy purposes are permitted if funds are returned to residents
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Executive Office of Housing must promulgate additional minimum standards for state-funded shelters by December 1, 2027, and establish a grievance procedure for complaints from shelter residents
Legislative Description
Establishes rules and procedures for licensing emergency shelters for homeless persons, including setting minimum standards and prohibiting the charging of fees to the residents.
State Affairs And Government
Last Action
Committee recommended measure be held for further study
2/11/2026