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RI H8215
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/27/2026
Primary Sponsor
Patricia Serpa
Click for details
AI Summary
- Tenants with disabilities may request landlord approval to keep an emotional support animal (limited to dogs or cats) as a reasonable accommodation in housing
- Landlords may deny requests if the animal poses a direct threat to health, safety, or property, or would cause insurance cancellation or substantial premium increases
- Documentation must come from a Rhode Island-licensed healthcare practitioner with a physical office in the state who has had a patient relationship for at least 30 days
- Service animals are redefined as dogs individually trained to perform tasks directly related to a person's disability, replacing the previous broader "personal assistive service animal" category
- Tenants remain liable for any damage caused by their emotional support animal to the premises or other persons
Legislative Description
Tenants with disabilities may request to keep an emotional support animal.
Property
Last Action
Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/18/2026)
3/13/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary2/27/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available