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RI H8274
Bill
Status
3/11/2026
Primary Sponsor
Edith Ajello
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AI Summary
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Clarifies the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights' authority to accept, investigate, and decide housing discrimination cases based on "housing status" (having or not having a fixed residence, including living on streets or in shelters)
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Adds "housing status" as a protected class throughout the Fair Housing Practices Act, prohibiting discrimination in housing sales, rentals, leases, and related financial assistance
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Explicitly prohibits landlords and property owners from issuing advertisements, notices, or statements indicating preference or discrimination based on any protected class, aligning state law with the federal Fair Housing Act
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Removes an unconstitutional provision that previously prohibited complainants and respondents from publicly discussing their fair housing cases before a hearing is convened
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Takes effect immediately upon passage
Legislative Description
Amends the Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act to clarify housing-status enforcement, ban discriminatory housing notices, aligns state law with federal standards and removes a ban on public discussion of fair housing cases.
Property
Last Action
Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/18/2026)
3/13/2026