reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-13. - Interest of commissioners or employees in property.

§ 45-25-13. Interest of commissioners or employees in property.
No commissioner or employee of an authority shall acquire any interest, direct or indirect, in any housing project or in any property, included or planned to be included, in any project, nor shall he or she have any interest direct or indirect in any contract or proposed contract for materials or services to be furnished or used in connection with any housing project. If any commissioner or employee of an authority owns or controls an interest direct or indirect in any property, included or planned to be included, in any housing project, that person shall immediately disclose the interest, in writing, to the authority and the disclosure shall be entered upon the minutes of the authority. Failure to disclose the interest constitutes misconduct in office.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2255, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 45-25-13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-14. - Removal of commissioners from office.

§ 45-25-14. Removal of commissioners from office.
(a)
The mayor and/or town council may remove a commissioner for inefficiency or neglect of duty or misconduct in office, but only after the commissioner has been given a copy of the charges against him or her (which may be made by the mayor) at least ten (10) days prior to the hearing and has an opportunity to be heard in person or by counsel. Any obligee of the authority may file with the mayor and/or town council written charges that the authority is willfully violating any law of the state or any term, provision or covenant in any contract to which the authority is a party. The mayor and/or town council shall give each of the commissioners a copy of the charges at least ten (10) days prior to the hearing and an opportunity to be heard in person or by counsel, and shall, within fifteen (15) days after receipt of the charges, remove any commissioners of the authority who is found to have acquiesced in any willful violation; provided, that nothing in this section prevents the mayor of any city or the town council of any town from suspending a commissioner from his or her office and duties pending the removal hearing.
(b)
A commissioner is deemed to have acquiesced in a willful violation by the authority of a law of this state or of any term, provision, or covenant contained in a contract to which the authority is a party, if, before a hearing is held on the charges against him or her, he or she has not have filed a written statement with the authority of his or her objections to, or lack of participation in the violation.
(c)
In the event of the removal of any commissioner, the mayor and/or town council shall file in the office of the city clerk a record of the proceedings together with the charges made against the commissioners and the findings.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2255, § 8; G.L. 1938, c. 344, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 45-25-14; P.L. 1971, ch. 127, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-15.1. - Section 8 tenant based certificate and Section 8 rental voucher programs.

§ 45-25-15.1. Section 8 tenant based certificate and Section 8 rental voucher programs.
The authority has exclusive jurisdiction to administer and manage Section 8 tenant based certificate programs and Section 8 voucher programs within its geographical area of operation inclusive of any certificate or voucher issued by the Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation which results in a tenant moving into the authority’s geographical area of operation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 31, art. 29, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-16. - Compliance with federal wage requirements.

§ 45-25-16. Compliance with federal wage requirements.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this chapter or in any other provision of law, the authority may agree to any conditions attached to federal financial assistance relating to the determination of prevailing salaries or wages or payment of not less than prevailing salaries or wages or compliance with labor standards, in the development or administration of projects, and may include in any contract awarded or entered into in connection with a project, stipulations requiring that the contractor and all subcontractors comply with requirements as to minimum salaries or wages and maximum hours of labor, and comply with any conditions which the federal government may have attached to its financial aid of the project.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 9A; P.L. 1939, ch. 726, § 4; P.L. 1950, ch. 2619, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 45-25-16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-17. - Low rent policy.

§ 45-25-17. Low rent policy.
It is declared to be the policy of this state that each housing authority manage and operate its housing projects in an efficient manner so as to enable it to fix the rentals for dwelling accommodations at the lowest possible rates consistent with its providing decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling accommodations, and that no housing authority constructs or operates any project for profit, or as a source of revenue to the city. To this end the authority shall fix the rentals for dwellings in its projects at no higher rates than it finds to be necessary in order to produce revenues (together with all other available moneys, revenues, income, and receipts of the authority from whatever sources derived) sufficient to:
(1)
Pay, as it becomes due, the principal and interest on the bonds of the authority;
(2)
Meet the cost of, and provide for, maintaining and operating the projects (including the cost of any insurance) and the administrative expenses of the authority; and
(3)
Create (during not less than the six (6) years immediately succeeding its issuance of any bonds) a reserve sufficient to meet the largest principal and interest payments which will be due on the bonds in any one year following and to maintain the reserve.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 9B; P.L. 1939, ch. 726, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 45-25-17.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-18. - Tenant selection.

§ 45-25-18. Tenant selection.
In the operation or management of housing projects, the authority shall at all times observe the following duties with respect to rentals and tenant selections: (1) it may rent or lease the dwelling accommodations of housing projects only to persons who lack the amount of income necessary (as determined by the housing authority undertaking the project) to enable them, without financial assistance, to live in decent, safe, and sanitary dwellings, without overcrowding; and (2) it may rent or lease to a tenant dwelling accommodations only at rentals within the financial reach of that person; provided, that an authority may agree to conditions as to tenant eligibility or preference required by the federal government pursuant to federal law in any contract for financial assistance with the authority.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 9C; P.L. 1939, ch. 726, § 4; P.L. 1950, ch. 2619, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 45-25-18; P.L. 1960, ch. 133, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-18.1. - Adoption of rules and regulations.

§ 45-25-18.1. Adoption of rules and regulations.
(a)
To the extent not inconsistent with law, each housing authority shall adopt and promulgate reasonable rules which establish:
(1)
Eligibility requirements for admission to housing.
(2)
Obligations of tenants, including regulations for the use and occupation of housing units and common areas.
(3)
Just cause for the termination of the right of use and occupation, so that a tenant may be clearly apprised of the precise reasons for a termination. Just cause for the termination includes, but is not limited to, a serious or repeated failure to comply with the obligations of the lease or the lawful rules and regulations of the housing authority, such as a failure to pay successive installments of rent; the continued use of a unit for any unlawful purpose; the maintenance of any unsafe, unsanitary, or unhealthful condition in any dwelling unit or in any of the common areas; and ineligibility for continued occupancy by reason of over income.
(4)
Conditions for continued occupancy, taking account of such factors as family size and changes in the family, fluctuations in income, availability of standard accommodations elsewhere, and other relevant matters; provided, that no increase in the annual income of the tenant or in the aggregate annual income of the tenant and the tenant’s family is cause for any increase in the tenant’s rent or for termination of the lease for a period of one year after the increase in the tenant’s income or in the aggregate income of the tenant and the tenant’s family has occurred.
(b)
The authority may adopt other rules that are necessary to the just and effective administration of local housing projects constructed and operated as provided by this chapter.
(c)
For all rules to be valid, they shall be published in a conspicuous place in each housing project operated by the authority.
History of Section.
P.L. 1968, ch. 54, § 1; P.L. 1970, ch. 255, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-18.2. - Board of tenants’ affairs.

§ 45-25-18.2. Board of tenants’ affairs.
There is created a board of tenants’ affairs for each city or town having a housing authority and operating one or more housing projects as provided by this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1968, ch. 54, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-18.3. - Membership of board.

§ 45-25-18.3. Membership of board.
(a)
The board shall consist of no fewer than eight (8) persons. One-half (½) of the members shall be elected from among the tenants occupying housing projects. Each housing project, if there is more than one, shall elect at least two (2) representatives. The remaining members of the board shall be appointed by the mayor in the case of a city or the council in the case of a town, from residents of the neighborhoods in which the projects are located. The member or members of the city or town council and the senator and representative representing the housing project shall be notified of and may attend all board meetings.
(b)
The terms of all members shall be for two (2) years and no person shall serve more than two (2) consecutive terms. All those members first appointed shall serve terms of one year, and all those members first elected shall serve terms of two (2) years. Thereafter, the term of office for all members, whether appointed or elected, shall be two (2) years.
History of Section.
P.L. 1968, ch. 54, § 1; P.L. 1970, ch. 254, § 1; P.L. 1975, ch. 133, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-18.4. - Appointment of membership — Meetings — Rules — Quorum.

§ 45-25-18.4. Appointment of membership — Meetings — Rules — Quorum.
The board shall be organized initially by the members appointed by the mayor or council. Elections of tenant members shall be completed and the first organizational meeting held within ninety (90) days after April 12, 1968. The board shall meet thereafter not less than once each month and at other times as the demands of business require. The board shall adopt its own rules of procedure and keep a record of its proceedings. A majority of the members constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. Clerical and secretarial staff are supplied by the local housing authority.
History of Section.
P.L. 1968, ch. 54, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 147, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 263, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-18.5. - Compensation.

§ 45-25-18.5. Compensation.
The city or town shall pay compensation for the members of the board which shall be a reasonable per diem allowance for each day that the board is in session. Sums paid the representatives from the housing projects are not counted as income for purposes of determining continuing eligibility for occupancy.
History of Section.
P.L. 1968, ch. 54, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-18.6. - Power of board.

§ 45-25-18.6. Power of board.
(a)
The board shall:
(1)
Advise the housing authority on matters concerning the general welfare of the tenants of housing projects and facilities.
(2)
Review and veto rules of the housing authority promulgated in accord with § 45-25-18.1 prior to publication.
(3)
Meet on a regular basis with available federal, state, and local government officials or their representatives to propose and develop specific legislation designed to alleviate the problems of those tenants living on fixed or limited incomes, and to transmit all proposals to the appropriate government representatives for consideration.
(b)
Final determinations reached on matters heard by way of review are binding on the housing authority.
(c)
The power of review and veto is exercised by a two-thirds (⅔) majority of those present and voting.
History of Section.
P.L. 1968, ch. 54, § 1; P.L. 1975, ch. 132, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-18.7. - Hearings.

§ 45-25-18.7. Hearings.
(a)
The tenant or applicant affected has a right to a hearing and review by the board where a determination is made by the project management or by the housing authority:
(1)
That an applicant is denied admission to public housing;
(2)
That a tenant’s right of use and occupation is terminated; or
(3)
That any obligation of a tenant is increased or otherwise altered;
(b)
The tenant or applicant shall be given written notice of any determination affecting his or her status, and the reasons therefor, and notice of his or her right to a hearing, and within seven (7) days of delivery of the notice, the tenant or occupant may petition the board, in writing, for a hearing and review. Upon receiving that petition, the board shall set a date for the hearing and inform the tenant or applicant of the date, time, and place of the hearing.
(c)
If the tenant or applicant fails to petition for a hearing within seven (7) days, he or she will be held to have waived his or her right to the hearing, but he or she will not be held to have waived his or her right to contest the propriety of the authority’s action in any later court proceeding.
(d)
The tenant or applicant is entitled to a fair hearing before the board and has the right to be represented by counsel.
History of Section.
P.L. 1968, ch. 54, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-18.8. - Termination.

§ 45-25-18.8. Termination.
If a decision to terminate a right of use and occupation is upheld by the board upon review, an action to regain possession of the premises shall not be brought until the right of use and occupation has been terminated by lawful notice. If an action to regain possession of the premises is brought by the authority, the tenant has a right to a trial de novo on the issue of whether there was just cause to terminate the tenant’s right of use and occupancy.
History of Section.
P.L. 1968, ch. 54, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-18.9. - Severability.

§ 45-25-18.9. Severability.
If any section, subsection, clause, sentence, paragraph, or any part thereof, is for any reason adjudged invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of any section or any part of a section shall not be affected by the judgment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1968, ch. 54, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-18.10. - Housing for people who are elderly — Disabled veterans.

§ 45-25-18.10. Housing for people who are elderly — Disabled veterans.
Every person, regardless of sex, who was disabled while serving in the military or naval service of the United States in the Spanish American war, the insurrection in the Philippines, the China relief expedition, World War I, World War II, or in any conflict or war, whether declared or undeclared, and who was honorably discharged, or who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, or who, if not discharged, served honorably, may, if that person meets all other qualifications in his or her application for placement in a public housing for people who are elderly project, be the first to be provided any available accommodations in the project regardless of any other prior applications.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 283, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-18.11. - Housing for people who are elderly — Posting of disabilities — Enforcement by local fire authorities.

§ 45-25-18.11. Housing for people who are elderly — Posting of disabilities — Enforcement by local fire authorities.
(a)
Upon request of any tenant in a public housing for people who are elderly project, the managing authority shall post, on or near the exterior door of the apartment of the tenant, an indication of any disability of the tenant in a form and size that is immediately understood in the event of emergency or evacuation.
(b)
The local fire authorities have the duty of accomplishing the purpose of this section, and of enforcing that purpose.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 181, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-18.12. - Housing for people who are elderly — Criminal records check.

§ 45-25-18.12. Housing for people who are elderly — Criminal records check.
Every housing authority or any housing for people who are elderly subsidized by the federal government shall, as part of the application process for prospective tenants of housing for people who are elderly projects, request that the division of criminal identification in the department of the attorney general conduct a criminal records investigation of the prospective tenant. This request shall be made immediately prior to the final approval of the application. The division of criminal identification shall not assess a fee for providing the service.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 332, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-19. - Rental and tenant restrictions not binding on obligee on default.

§ 45-25-19. Rental and tenant restrictions not binding on obligee on default.
Nothing contained in §§ 45-25-17 and 45-25-18 shall be construed as limiting the power of an authority, with respect to a housing project, to vest in an obligee the right, in the event of a default by the authority, to take possession of the project or cause the appointment of a receiver, free from all the restrictions imposed by those sections.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 9C; P.L. 1939, ch. 726, § 4; P.L. 1950, ch. 2619, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 45-25-19.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-20. - Subjection to local building and planning regulations.

§ 45-25-20. Subjection to local building and planning regulations.
Except as provided by § 45-25-21, all housing projects of an authority are subject to the planning, zoning, sanitary and building laws, ordinances, and regulations applicable to the locality in which the housing project is situated.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2255, § 12; G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 12; impl. am. P.L. 1940, ch. 917, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 45-25-20.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-21. - Exemption of low rate projects from ordinances.

§ 45-25-21. Exemption of low rate projects from ordinances.
The provisions of any zoning ordinance or any building ordinance enacted by any city or town in this state do not apply to any low rate housing project.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 9D; P.L. 1940, ch. 917, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 45-25-21.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-22. - Cooperation between authorities.

§ 45-25-22. Cooperation between authorities.
Any two (2) or more authorities may cooperate with one another in the exercise of any or all of the powers conferred hereby for the purpose of financing, planning, constructing, or operating a housing project or projects located partly within the boundaries of each of the authorities.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2255, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 45-25-22.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-23. - Acquisition of land for government project.

§ 45-25-23. Acquisition of land for government project.
The authority may acquire by purchase any property, real or personal, for any housing project being constructed or operated by a government. The authority, upon terms and conditions, with or without consideration, that it determines, may convey title or deliver possession of the property so acquired or purchased to the government for use in connection with the housing project.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2255, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 45-25-23.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-25. - Loans by city to authority.

§ 45-25-25. Loans by city to authority.
Any city in which a housing authority has been created, has the power, from time to time, to lend or donate money to the authority or to agree to take that action. The housing authority, when it has money available, shall make reimbursements for all loans made to it.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 27C; P.L. 1939, ch. 726, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 45-25-25.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-26. - Resolution for action by state public body.

§ 45-25-26. Resolution for action by state public body.
The exercise by a state public body of the powers granted by this chapter may be authorized by resolution of the governing body of a state public body adopted by a majority of the members of its governing body present at a meeting of the governing body, which resolution may be adopted at the meeting at which the resolution is introduced. The resolution or resolutions shall take effect immediately and need not be laid over or published or posted.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 27D; P.L. 1939, ch. 726, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 45-25-26.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-27. - Powers supplemental.

§ 45-25-27. Powers supplemental.
The powers conferred by §§ 45-25-16 — 45-25-19 and §§ 45-25-24 — 45-25-26 are in addition and supplemental to the powers conferred by any other law.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 726, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 45-25-27.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-28. - Authority tax exempt.

§ 45-25-28. Authority tax exempt.
An authority is exempt from the payment of any taxes or fees to the state or any subdivision of the state or to any officer or employee of the state or subdivision of the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2255, § 25; G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 25; G.L. 1956, § 45-25-28.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-29. - Bonds and mortgages tax exempt.

§ 45-25-29. Bonds and mortgages tax exempt.
Bonds and mortgages of an authority are declared to be issued for a public purpose and to be public instrumentalities, and together with interest, are exempt from tax.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2255, § 25; G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 25; G.L. 1956, § 45-25-29.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-30. - Payments in lieu of local property tax.

§ 45-25-30. Payments in lieu of local property tax.
The property of an authority is exempt from all local and municipal taxes. An authority shall pay to the city a sum fixed annually by the city. A city may:
(1)
Fix a sum to be paid to it annually by an authority in respect of each project; or
(2)
Agree that an authority not pay or be liable to pay any sum whatsoever in respect of a project or projects for any year or years; or
(3)
Agree with an authority or government upon the sum to be paid by the authority for any year or years in respect of a project or projects, or accept or agree to accept a fixed sum or other consideration in lieu of the payment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2255, § 25; G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 25; P.L. 1950, ch. 2620, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 45-25-30.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-31. - Annual report.

§ 45-25-31. Annual report.
The authority shall, at least once a year, file with the mayor of the city a report of its activities for the preceding year, and make any recommendations with reference to any additional legislation or other action that may be necessary in order to carry out the purposes of chapters 25 — 27 of this title.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2255, § 26; G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 26; G.L. 1956, § 45-25-31.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-32. - Dissolution of authority.

§ 45-25-32. Dissolution of authority.
An authority or the city may apply, to the superior court in any county in which the city or any part of it is located, for an order dissolving the authority. The court shall hold a hearing in open court after giving notice of hearing as the court may require. Upon a showing to the satisfaction of the court that provision has been made for the payment or satisfaction of all of the outstanding obligations of the authority and for the necessary expenses for its liquidation, the court may order that the authority be dissolved. Upon dissolution the property of the authority becomes the property of the city.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2255, § 27; G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 27; G.L. 1956, § 45-25-32.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-33. - Severability.

§ 45-25-33. Severability.
If any one or more sections, clauses, sentences, or parts of chapters 25 — 27 of this title shall for any reason be questioned in any court, and adjudged unconstitutional or invalid, the judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remaining provisions, but shall be confined in its operation to the specific provisions held unconstitutional or invalid, and the inapplicability or invalidity of any section, clause, or provision of those chapters in any one or more instances or circumstances shall not be taken to affect or prejudice in any way its applicability or validity in any other instance.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2255, § 28; G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 28; P.L. 1939, ch. 726, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 45-25-33.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-34. - Employees of city housing authorities.

§ 45-25-34. Employees of city housing authorities.
Any housing authority as defined by the provisions of this chapter may elect to accept the provisions of chapter 21 of this title entitled Retirement of Municipal Employees by resolution adopted by the commissioners of the authority, the acceptance to be forwarded to the retirement board by the authority in the same manner as provided in § 45-21-4.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 45-25-34; P.L. 1967, ch. 121, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-35. - Indian housing authorities.

§ 45-25-35. Indian housing authorities.
(a)
The city or town council of any city or town is authorized to create by ordinance an Indian housing authority consistent with the requirements of this chapter. Any Indian housing authority created under the terms of this chapter shall be organized for the purpose of directly or indirectly providing dwelling accommodations in a city or town for Indians of low income, within the meaning of and so as to qualify for funding under 24 Code of Federal Regulations Part 905.
(b)
Any Indian housing authority created under this chapter shall consist of five (5) commissioners, three (3) of whom shall be appointed by the respective mayor, or elected town administrator, or if the municipality has no elected chief executive, by a majority of the city or town council, and two (2) of whom shall be appointed by the city or town council, each to serve a five (5) year term. At least three (3) commissioners must be duly enrolled members of a state or federally recognized Indian tribe and all commissioners must reside in the city or town. No person is barred from serving as a commissioner because he or she is a tenant or home owner in a dwelling directly or indirectly provided by the Indian housing authority.
(c)
Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the establishment of gaming facilities anywhere in the state of Rhode Island by any person.
History of Section.
P.L. 1993, ch. 412, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-25 - City Housing Authorities › Section 45-25-35.1. - Powers of authority.

§ 45-25-35.1. Powers of authority.
The authority:
(1)
May participate in any state or federal programs of low and moderate income housing assistance and community development; and
(2)
For this purpose may:
(i)
Enter into and perform a contract or agreement with the state, the United States, or a federal agency;
(ii)
Develop or operate a housing project if approval by ordinance or resolution is obtained from the governing body and chief elected official of the local jurisdiction where the housing project is located;
(iii)
Act as a public housing agency within the meaning of the federal law and as an authority within the meaning of state law; and
(iv)
Do anything necessary or convenient for its participation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1993, ch. 412, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-26 - Town Housing Authorities › Section 45-26-1. - Declaration of necessity.

§ 45-26-1. Declaration of necessity.
It is declared that the findings and declarations stated in § 45-25-2 are also applicable to towns in the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2619, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 45-26-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-26 - Town Housing Authorities › Section 45-26-2. - Authorities created — Resolution to allow functioning.

§ 45-26-2. Authorities created — Resolution to allow functioning.
(a)
In each town of the state there is created a public body corporate and politic to be known as the “housing authority” of the town (hereafter called “town authority”); provided, that the town authority does not transact any business or exercise its powers until or unless the town council of the town, by proper resolution, determines at any time that there is need for a town authority to function in the town.
(b)
The town council shall give consideration to the need for a town authority (1) on its own motion or (2) upon the filing of a petition signed by twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the town asserting that there is need for a town authority to function in the town and requesting that the town council so declare.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 29; P.L. 1950, ch. 2619, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 45-26-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-26 - Town Housing Authorities › Section 45-26-3. - Grounds for resolution of need.

§ 45-26-3. Grounds for resolution of need.
The town council shall adopt a resolution declaring that there is a need for a town authority to function in the town if it finds:
(1)
That unsanitary or unsafe inhabited dwelling accommodations or blighted areas exist in the town; or
(2)
That there is a shortage of safe or sanitary dwelling accommodations in the town available to persons of low income at rentals or prices they can afford.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 29; P.L. 1950, ch. 2619, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 45-26-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-26 - Town Housing Authorities › Section 45-26-4. - Appointment, terms, and compensation of commissioner.

§ 45-26-4. Appointment, terms, and compensation of commissioner.
(a)(1)
When the town council adopts a resolution creating a town authority, the town council shall appoint five (5) persons as commissioners of the town authority; provided, however, that the town of Lincoln shall appoint seven (7) persons as commissioners of the town authority. The commissioners who are first appointed shall be designated to serve for terms of one, two (2), three (3), four (4), and five (5) years, respectively, from the date of their appointment, but, subsequently, commissioners shall be appointed for a term of office of five (5) years, except that all vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term, those appointments to be made by the town council.
(2)
Provided, however, that the commission members of the town authority of the town of Lincoln must be residents of the town of Lincoln during the term of their appointment. Provided, further, that at least one of the commission members of a town authority must be a resident as well as a resident of a public housing facility during the term of their appointment. A public housing resident commissioner shall be appointed by the appointing authority from a list of nominees chosen in open election by the occupants of public housing. Upon the failure of the election process, there shall be a provision for an application process. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as preventing the appointing authority from appointing more than one resident of public housing to the commission.
(3)
Provided, however that the commission members of the city housing authority of the city of Central Falls must be approved by a majority of the members of the Central Falls city council and must also be residents of the city of Central Falls during the term of their appointment to the housing authority.
(b)
A commissioner of the town of North Providence shall receive twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per meeting but not in excess of five hundred dollars ($500) per year as compensation for his or her services; provided, that a commissioner of the town of Coventry shall only receive twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per attended meeting but not in excess of six hundred dollars ($600) per year as compensation for his or her services, provided, further, that the chairperson of the Coventry housing authority shall receive thirty-five dollars ($35.00) per attended meeting but not in excess of eight hundred forty dollars ($840) per year as compensation for his or her services.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 30; P.L. 1950, ch. 2619, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 45-26-4; P.L. 1981, ch. 368, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 232, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 319, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 82, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 327, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 118, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 255, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 293, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-26 - Town Housing Authorities › Section 45-26-5. - Procedure for establishment and incorporation of town authority.

§ 45-26-5. Procedure for establishment and incorporation of town authority.
The findings of each town council declaring the need for a town authority shall be made in the same manner and degree as is required for each city council in § 45-25-7, and each town authority shall secure its certificate of incorporation in the manner prescribed for housing authorities for cities in § 45-25-7.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 31; P.L. 1950, ch. 2619, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 45-26-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-26 - Town Housing Authorities › Section 45-26-6. - Area of operation.

§ 45-26-6. Area of operation.
The area of operation of a town authority includes all of the town for which it is created; provided, that no authority operates in any area in which an authority already established is operating without the consent by resolution of the authority already operating in that area.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 32; P.L. 1950, ch. 2619, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 45-26-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-26 - Town Housing Authorities › Section 45-26-7. - Laws applicable to town authorities.

§ 45-26-7. Laws applicable to town authorities.
Town authorities and their commissioners, within their respective areas of operation, have the same functions, rights, powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and limitations provided for housing authorities, created for cities and their commissioners. All the provisions of law applicable to housing authorities created for cities and their commissioners are applicable to town authorities.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 33; P.L. 1950, ch. 2619, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 45-26-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-26 - Town Housing Authorities › Section 45-26-8. - Cooperation of state public bodies.

§ 45-26-8. Cooperation of state public bodies.
State public bodies have the same rights and powers to aid and cooperate with town authorities that state public bodies have with respect to housing authorities in cities.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 34; P.L. 1950, ch. 2619, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 45-26-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-26 - Town Housing Authorities › Section 45-26-9. - Loans or donations by towns.

§ 45-26-9. Loans or donations by towns.
Towns also have power from time to time to lend or donate money to town authorities or to agree to take that action. Any town authority, when it has the money available, shall make reimbursements for all loans made to it.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 34; P.L. 1950, ch. 2619, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 45-26-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-26 - Town Housing Authorities › Section 45-26-10. - Rural housing.

§ 45-26-10. Rural housing.
Any housing authority, which has rural areas under its jurisdiction, may undertake the provision of housing for families of low income in those rural areas, and may comply with any conditions required by the federal government pursuant to federal law in any contract for financial assistance with the authority concerning those undertakings.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 35; P.L. 1950, ch. 2619, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 45-26-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-26 - Town Housing Authorities › Section 45-26-11. - Retirement of employees of town housing authorities.

§ 45-26-11. Retirement of employees of town housing authorities.
Any housing authority, as defined by the provisions of this chapter, may elect to accept the provisions of chapter 21 of this title entitled Retirement of Municipal Employees by resolution adopted by the commissioners of the authority, the acceptance to be forwarded to the retirement board by the authority in the same manner as provided in § 45-21-4.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 45-26-11; P.L. 1967, ch. 121, § 2; P.L. 2009, ch. 310, § 58.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-26 - Town Housing Authorities › Section 45-26-12. - Housing for people who are elderly — Disabled veterans.

§ 45-26-12. Housing for people who are elderly — Disabled veterans.
Every person, regardless of sex, who was disabled while serving in the military or naval service of the United States in the Spanish American war, the insurrection in the Philippines, the China relief expedition, World War I, World War II, or in any conflict or war, whether declared or undeclared, and who was honorably discharged, or who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, or who, if not discharged, served honorably, shall, if that person meets all other qualifications in his or her application for placement in a public housing for people who are elderly project, be the first to be provided any available accommodations in a project regardless of any other prior applications.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 283, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-26 - Town Housing Authorities › Section 45-26-13. - Housing for people who are elderly — Posting of disabilities — Enforcement by local fire authorities.

§ 45-26-13. Housing for people who are elderly — Posting of disabilities — Enforcement by local fire authorities.
(a)
Upon request of any tenant in a public housing for people who are elderly project, the managing authority shall post, on or near the exterior door of the apartment of the tenant, an indication of any disability of the tenant in a form and size that is immediately understood in the event of emergency or evacuation.
(b)
The local fire authorities have the duty of accomplishing the purpose of this section, and of enforcing that purpose.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 181, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-27 - Housing Authority Bonds and Obligations › Section 45-27-1. - Types of bonds issuable — Pledge of revenues — Mortgages.

§ 45-27-1. Types of bonds issuable — Pledge of revenues — Mortgages.
(a)
The authority has power to issue bonds, from time to time in its discretion, for any of its corporate purposes. The authority also has power to issue refunding bonds for the purpose of paying or retiring bonds previously issued by it. The authority may issue types of bonds that it may determine, including (without limiting the generality of the foregoing), bonds on which the principal and interest are payable from income and revenues of the authority and from grants or contributions from the federal government or another source. The income and revenues securing the bonds may be:
(1)
Exclusively the income and revenues of the housing project financed in whole or in part with the proceeds of the bonds;
(2)
Exclusively the income and revenues of certain designated housing projects, whether or not they are financed in whole or in part with the proceeds of the bonds; or
(3)
The income and revenues of the authority generally.
(b)
The bonds may be additionally secured by a pledge of any income or revenues of the authority or, in certain instances, a mortgage of any housing project, projects, or other property of the authority.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2255, § 13; G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 13; P.L. 1939, ch. 726, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 45-27-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-27 - Housing Authority Bonds and Obligations › Section 45-27-2. - Liability on bonds — Statutory limitations inapplicable.

§ 45-27-2. Liability on bonds — Statutory limitations inapplicable.
Neither the commissioners of the authority nor any person executing the bonds is personally liable on the bonds by reason of their issuance. The bonds and other obligations of the authority (and the bonds and obligations shall so state on their face) are not a debt of the city, the county, the state, or any political subdivision thereof, and neither the city or the county, nor the state or any political subdivision thereof, are liable thereon, nor in any event are the bonds or obligations payable out of any funds or properties other than those of the authority. The bonds do not constitute an indebtedness within the meaning of any constitutional, statutory, or charter debt limitation or restriction. Bonds may be issued under this chapter notwithstanding any debt or other limitation prescribed by any statute.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2255, § 13; G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 13; P.L. 1939, ch. 726, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 45-27-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-27 - Housing Authority Bonds and Obligations › Section 45-27-3. - Authorization, form, and terms of bonds.

§ 45-27-3. Authorization, form, and terms of bonds.
The bonds of the authority are authorized by its resolution, and issued in one or more series, and bearing a date or dates, maturing at a time or times (not exceeding sixty (60) years from their respective dates), bearing interest at a rate or rates (not exceeding six percent (6%) per annum payable semiannually), in denominations (which may be made interchangeable), in forms, either coupon or registered, carrying registration privileges, executed in a manner, payable in a medium of payment, at a place or places, and subject to any terms of redemption (with or without premium) that the resolution or its trust indenture or mortgage may provide.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2255, § 14; G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 14; G.L. 1956, § 45-27-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-27 - Housing Authority Bonds and Obligations › Section 45-27-4. - Sale of bonds — Notice.

§ 45-27-4. Sale of bonds — Notice.
The bonds may be sold at public or private sale at a price or prices that the authority determines.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2255, § 14; G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 14; G.L. 1956, § 45-27-4; P.L. 1973, ch. 244, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 292, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-27 - Housing Authority Bonds and Obligations › Section 45-27-5. - Interim certificates and temporary obligations.

§ 45-27-5. Interim certificates and temporary obligations.
Pending the authorization, preparation, execution, or delivery of definitive bonds, the authority may issue interim certificates, or other temporary obligations to the purchaser of those bonds. The interim certificates, or other temporary obligations, shall be in a form, contain terms, conditions and provisions, bear a date or dates, and evidence agreements relating to their discharge or payment or the delivery of definitive bonds, as the authority may by resolution, trust indenture, or mortgage determine.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2255, § 14; G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 14; G.L. 1956, § 45-27-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-27 - Housing Authority Bonds and Obligations › Section 45-27-6. - Continuing validity of signatures of officers.

§ 45-27-6. Continuing validity of signatures of officers.
In case any of the officers whose signatures appear on any bonds or coupons cease to be officers before the delivery of the bonds, their signatures shall, nevertheless, be valid and sufficient for all purposes, the same as if they had remained in office until the delivery.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2255, § 14; G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 14; G.L. 1956, § 45-27-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-27 - Housing Authority Bonds and Obligations › Section 45-27-7. - Repurchase of bonds.

§ 45-27-7. Repurchase of bonds.
The authority has power, out of any funds available therefor, to purchase any bonds issued by it at a price not more than the principal amount of the bonds and the accrued interest; provided, that bonds payable exclusively from the revenues of a designated project or projects shall be purchased out of any revenues available therefor. All bonds so purchased shall be cancelled. This section does not apply to the redemption of bonds.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2255, § 14; G.L. 1938, ch. 344, § 14; G.L. 1956, § 45-27-7; P.L. 2009, ch. 310, § 59.