reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128 - Rhode Island Housing Resources Act of 1998 › Section 42-128-2. - Rhode Island housing resources agency created.

§ 42-128-2. Rhode Island housing resources agency created.
There is created within the executive department a housing resources agency with the following purposes, organization, and powers:
(1)
Purposes:
(i)
To provide coherence to the housing programs of the state of Rhode Island and its departments, agencies, commissions, corporations, and subdivisions.
(ii)
To provide for the integration and coordination of the activities of the Rhode Island housing and mortgage finance corporation and the Rhode Island housing resources commission.
(2)
Coordinating committee — Created — Purposes and powers:
(i)
The coordinating committee of the housing resources agency shall be comprised of the chairperson of the Rhode Island housing and mortgage finance corporation; the chairperson of the Rhode Island housing resources commission; the director of the department of administration, or the designee of the director; and the executive director of the Rhode Island housing and mortgage finance corporation. The chairperson of the Rhode Island housing resources commission shall be chairperson of the coordinating committee.
(ii)
The coordinating committee:
(A)
Shall develop and implement, with the approval of the Rhode Island housing and mortgage finance corporation and the Rhode Island housing resources commission, a memorandum of agreement describing the fiscal and operational relationship between the Rhode Island housing and mortgage finance corporation and the Rhode Island housing resources commission and shall define which programs of federal assistance will be applied for on behalf of the state by the Rhode Island housing and mortgage finance corporation and the Rhode Island housing resources commission.
(B)
Is authorized and empowered to negotiate and to enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with agencies and political subdivisions of the state, not-for-profit corporations, for profit corporations, and other partnerships, associations and persons for any lawful purpose necessary and desirable to effect the purposes of this chapter, subject to the provisions of chapter 2 of title 37 as applicable.
(3)
There is hereby established a restricted receipt account within the general fund of the state. Funds from this account shall be used to provide for housing and homelessness initiatives including housing production, lead hazard abatement, housing rental subsidy, housing retention assistance, and homelessness services and prevention assistance with priority to veterans.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 31, art. 29, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 286, § 5; P.L. 2004, ch. 324, § 5; P.L. 2014, ch. 145, art. 12, § 6; P.L. 2015, ch. 169, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 191, § 1; P.L. 2021, ch. 162, art. 14, § 4, effective July 6, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128 - Rhode Island Housing Resources Act of 1998 › Section 42-128-2.1. - Housing Production Fund.

§ 42-128-2.1. Housing Production Fund.
(a)
There is hereby established a restricted receipt account within the general fund of the state, to be known as the housing production fund. Funds from this account shall be administered by the Rhode Island housing and mortgage finance corporation, subject to program and reporting guidelines adopted by the coordinating committee of the Rhode Island housing resources commission for housing production initiatives, including:
(1)
Financial assistance by loan, grant, or otherwise, for the planning, production, or preservation of affordable housing in Rhode Island for households earning not more than eighty percent (80%) of area median income; and
(2)
Technical and financial assistance for cities and towns to support increased local housing production, including by reducing regulatory barriers and through the housing incentives for municipalities program.
(b)
In administering the housing production fund, the Rhode Island housing and mortgage finance corporation shall give priority to households either exiting homelessness or earning not more than thirty percent (30%) of area median income.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 162, art. 14, § 3, effective July 6, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128 - Rhode Island Housing Resources Act of 1998 › Section 42-128-3. - Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation.

§ 42-128-3. Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation.
The Rhode Island housing and mortgage finance corporation established by chapter 55 of this title shall remain an independent corporation and shall serve as the housing finance and development division of the Rhode Island housing resources agency.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 31, art. 29, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128 - Rhode Island Housing Resources Act of 1998 › Section 42-128-4. - Rhode Island housing resources commission.

§ 42-128-4. Rhode Island housing resources commission.
The Rhode Island housing resources commission shall be an agency within the executive department with responsibility for developing plans, policies, standards and programs and providing technical assistance for housing.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 31, art. 29, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 286, § 5; P.L. 2004, ch. 324, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128 - Rhode Island Housing Resources Act of 1998 › Section 42-128-5. - Purposes.

§ 42-128-5. Purposes.
The purposes of the commission shall be:
(1)
To develop and promulgate state policies, and plans, for housing and housing production and performance measures for housing programs established pursuant to state law.
(2)
To coordinate activities among state agencies and political subdivisions pertaining to housing.
(3)
To promote the stability of and quality of life in communities and neighborhoods.
(4)
To provide opportunities for safe, sanitary, decent, adequate and affordable housing in Rhode Island.
(5)
To encourage public-private partnerships that foster the production, rehabilitation, development, maintenance, and improvement of housing and housing conditions, especially for low and moderate income people.
(6)
To foster and support no-profit organizations, including community development corporations, and their associations and intermediaries, that are engaged in providing and housing related services.
(7)
To encourage and support partnerships between institutions of higher education and neighborhoods to develop and retain quality, healthy housing and sustainable communities.
(8)
To facilitate private for-profit production and rehabilitation of housing for diverse populations and income groups.
(9)
To provide, facilitate, and/or support the provisions of technical assistance.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 31, art. 29, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 286, § 5; P.L. 2004, ch. 324, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128 - Rhode Island Housing Resources Act of 1998 › Section 42-128-7. - General powers.

§ 42-128-7. General powers.
The commission shall have the following powers, together with all powers incidental to or necessary for the performance of those set forth in this chapter:
(1)
To sue and be sued.
(2)
To negotiate and to enter into contracts, agreements, and cooperative agreements with agencies and political subdivisions of the state, not-for-profit corporations, for-profit corporations, and other partnerships, associations, and persons for any lawful purpose necessary and desirable to effect the purposes of this chapter.
(3)
To adopt bylaws and rules for the management of its affairs and for the exercise of its powers and duties, and to establish the committees, workgroups, and advisory bodies that from time to time may be deemed necessary.
(4)
To receive and accept grants or loans as may be made by the federal government, and grants, donations, contributions, and payments from other public and private sources.
(5)
To grant or loan funds to agencies and political subdivisions of the state or to private groups to effect the purposes of this chapter; provided that, in each funding round, there must be a material award that benefits a Rhode Island city or town with a population below twenty-five thousand (25,000) people according to data from the United States Census Bureau.
(6)
To secure the cooperation and assistance of the United States and any of its agencies, and of the agencies and political subdivisions of this state in the work of the commission.
(7)
To establish, charge, and collect fees and payments for its services.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 31, art. 29, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 265, § 1, effective July 2, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 307, § 1, effective July 6, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128 - Rhode Island Housing Resources Act of 1998 › Section 42-128-9. - Offices within the commission.

§ 42-128-9. Offices within the commission.
There shall be, as a minimum, the following offices within the commission: the office of policy and planning, the office of housing program performance and evaluation, the office of homelessness services and emergency assistance, and the office of community development, programs and technical assistance. The commission may establish by rule such other offices, operating entities, and committees as it may deem appropriate.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 31, art. 29, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128 - Rhode Island Housing Resources Act of 1998 › Section 42-128-10. - Appropriations.

§ 42-128-10. Appropriations.
The general assembly shall annually appropriate any sums it may deem necessary to enable the commission to carry out its assigned purposes; and the state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of any sums appropriated or so much as may be from time to time required, upon receipt by him or her of proper vouchers approved by the chairperson or the executive director.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 31, art. 29, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128 - Rhode Island Housing Resources Act of 1998 › Section 42-128-11. - Executive director — Employees.

§ 42-128-11. Executive director — Employees.
The governor shall appoint from qualified candidates, with the advice of the coordinating committee, an executive director, who shall not be subject to the provisions of chapter 4 of title 36, and who shall serve as the state housing commissioner and may also serve in the executive office of commerce as the deputy secretary of housing. The commission shall also cause to be employed staff and technical and professional consultants as may be required to carry out the powers and duties set forth in this chapter. All staff, including the executive director, may be secured through a memorandum of agreement with the Rhode Island housing and mortgage finance corporation, or any other agency or political subdivision of the state with the approval of the relevant agency or political subdivision, as provided for in § 42-128-2(2)(ii). Any person who is in the civil service and is transferred to the commission may retain civil service status.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 31, art. 29, § 1; P.L. 2021, ch. 162, art. 14, § 4, effective July 6, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128 - Rhode Island Housing Resources Act of 1998 › Section 42-128-12. - Coordination with other state agencies.

§ 42-128-12. Coordination with other state agencies.
State agencies, departments, authorities, corporations, boards, commissions, and political subdivisions shall cooperate with the commission in the conduct of its activities, and specifically: the Rhode Island historical preservation and heritage commission shall advise the commission on issues of historical preservation standards as they pertain to housing and the use of historical preservation programs to improve housing and to enhance community character; the statewide planning program, created pursuant to § 42-11-10, shall advise the commission on issues of planning in general and land use controls and shall revise the state guide plan, as necessary, to achieve consistency with official state plans and policies for housing adopted by the commission, and the department of business regulation shall advise the commission on issues of business regulation affecting housing, shall review its regulations and practices to determine any amendments, changes, or additions which might be appropriate to advance the purposes of this chapter, and shall designate an official within the department to serve as liaison to, and the contact person for, the commission on issues related to housing.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 31, art. 29, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128 - Rhode Island Housing Resources Act of 1998 › Section 42-128-13. - Open meetings law.

§ 42-128-13. Open meetings law.
The housing resources agency, the coordinating committee, and the housing resources commission and any committee, council, or advisory body created by the commission shall conform to the provisions of chapter 46 of this title.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 31, art. 29, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128 - Rhode Island Housing Resources Act of 1998 › Section 42-128-14. - Public records law.

§ 42-128-14. Public records law.
The housing resources agency, the coordinating committee, and the housing resources commission and any committee, council, or advisory body created by the commission shall conform to the provisions of chapter 2 of title 38.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 31, art. 29, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128 - Rhode Island Housing Resources Act of 1998 › Section 42-128-15. - Administrative procedures act.

§ 42-128-15. Administrative procedures act.
The commission may adopt any rules, including measurable standards, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 35 of this title that may be necessary to the purposes of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 31, art. 29, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128 - Rhode Island Housing Resources Act of 1998 › Section 42-128-16. - Annual report.

§ 42-128-16. Annual report.
The commission shall submit for each calendar year by March 1 of the next year a report to the governor and the general assembly on its activities and its findings and recommendations regarding housing issues, which report by census tract, shall include the number and dollar amount of its programs and an assessment of health related housing issues, including the incidence of lead poisoning.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 31, art. 29, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128 - Rhode Island Housing Resources Act of 1998 › Section 42-128-17. - Severability and liberal construction.

§ 42-128-17. Severability and liberal construction.
If any provision of this chapter or the application of any provision to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the chapter, which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are declared to be severable. The provisions of this chapter shall be construed liberally in order to accomplish the purposes of the chapter, and where any specific power is given to the commission, the statement shall not be deemed to exclude or impair any power otherwise in this chapter conferred upon the commission.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 31, art. 29, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128.1 - Lead Hazard Mitigation › Section 42-128.1-1. - Short title.

§ 42-128.1-1. Short title.
This chapter may be cited and shall be known as the “Lead Hazard Mitigation Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 187, § 3; P.L. 2002, ch. 188, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128.1 - Lead Hazard Mitigation › Section 42-128.1-2. - Legislative findings.

§ 42-128.1-2. Legislative findings.
The general assembly finds and declares that:
(1)
Rhode Island’s rental housing stock is older and lead hazards are widespread;
(2)
There has been an insufficient level of lead hazard abatement in Rhode Island’s rental housing stock;
(3)
Children in Rhode Island, especially in older urban communities, have been victims of lead poisoning at disproportionately high rates;
(4)
During the 1990’s meeting department of health lead hazard abatement standards has ranged between seven thousand dollars ($7,000) and fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) per unit;
(5)
The combination of the high cost of meeting the abatement standards and the system of incentives available for rental property owners in Rhode Island resulted in few properties being improved to state standards as a consequence of voluntary activity by property owners; and
(6)
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development has promulgated regulations for lead hazard control that apply to housing that is federally assisted and require inspections with dust testing.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 187, § 3; P.L. 2002, ch. 188, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128.1 - Lead Hazard Mitigation › Section 42-128.1-3. - Legislative purposes.

§ 42-128.1-3. Legislative purposes.
In order to promote the prevention of childhood lead poisoning in Rhode Island, it is the purpose of this chapter:
(1)
To increase the supply of rental housing in Rhode Island in which lead hazards are, at a minimum, mitigated;
(2)
To improve public awareness of lead issues and to educate both property owners and tenants about practices that can reduce the incidence of lead poisoning;
(3)
To resolve disjointed insurance practices arising from lead liabilities exclusions.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 187, § 3; P.L. 2002, ch. 188, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128.1 - Lead Hazard Mitigation › Section 42-128.1-7. - Lead hazard mitigation.

§ 42-128.1-7. Lead hazard mitigation.
The housing resources commission shall adopt, no later than April 1, 2003, rules:
(1)
For housing constructed prior to 1978, which require property owners to certify at the time of transfer that the dwelling and/or premises meet the requirements for lead hazard mitigation or lead hazard abatement, or that the party or parties acquiring the property are notified of the potential lead hazards, and at the time of rental of units that the requirements for meeting the appropriate standards have been met;
(2)
For a lead hazard mitigation standard;
(3)
For any training, certification or licensing necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter; and
(4)
For a process to receive, investigate, and decide whether the correction of a lead hazard, pursuant to § 42-128.1-8(a)(3) and (d) was satisfactory. These rules shall establish an expeditious procedure to determine whether the allegation of unsatisfactory correction has merit. The process may be integrated with or make use of the technical assistance service provided for in § 42-128.1-13.
(5)
For a process to grant a variance to subsections 42-128.1-8(a)(3), (a)(5), and (b), where there exists a hardship as to financing lead hazard mitigation, or where materials, personnel, or weather delays the mitigation completion.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 187, § 3; P.L. 2002, ch. 188, § 3; P.L. 2005, ch. 142, § 2; P.L. 2005, ch. 143, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128.1 - Lead Hazard Mitigation › Section 42-128.1-10. - Right to housing where lead hazards are corrected.

§ 42-128.1-10. Right to housing where lead hazards are corrected.
(a)
Pregnant women and families with children under six (6) years of age shall be deemed to have a right to housing in which lead hazards have been mitigated or abated.
(b) Injunctive Relief.
Effective November 1, 2005, if the property owner of a rental dwelling fails to comply with such standards for lead hazard mitigation, or abatement, as applicable, a right of private action shall exist that allows households that include an at risk occupant to seek injunctive relief from a court with jurisdiction against the property owner in the form of a court order to compel compliance with requirements for lead hazard control or mitigation. A person who prevails is entitled to an award of the costs of the litigation and reasonable attorneys’ fees in an amount to be fixed by the court. Cases brought before the court under this section shall be granted an accelerated hearing.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 187, § 3; P.L. 2002, ch. 188, § 3; P.L. 2004, ch. 221, § 2; P.L. 2004, ch. 223, § 2; P.L. 2005, ch. 142, § 2; P.L. 2005, ch. 143, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128.1 - Lead Hazard Mitigation › Section 42-128.1-11. - Enforcement.

§ 42-128.1-11. Enforcement.
(a)
The standards for lead hazard control and for lead hazard mitigation in pre-1978 housing shall be considered basic housing standards and shall be enforceable through the provisions of this chapter and through procedures established in chapter 24.2 of title 45 and chapter 24.3 of title 45.
(b)
Minimum Housing Standards and Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code.
In order to establish consistency between state and local programs pertaining to enforcement of standards for housing and housing occupancy and to provide for broadly available, multiple means of identifying instances of noncompliance with this chapter and enforcing the requirements of this chapter, the following provisions regarding Minimum Housing Standards and the Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code shall be effective:
(1)
The ordinances, rules, and regulations for “Minimum Housing Standards” adopted pursuant to § 45-24.2-3 shall, on or before November 1, 2005, include provisions for lead hazard control.
(2)
The Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code, established by chapter 24.3 of title 45, shall, effective November 1, 2005, include provisions consistent with a continuing and ongoing responsibility for lead hazard mitigation as required by the department of health standards.
(c)
In any private action where a property owner is found to have violated § 42-128.1-1 et seq., or any rules or regulations derived therefrom, the property owner is subject to damages, which may include double or treble the actual damages found, as well as reasonable attorneys’ fees. Nothing herein should be construed as excluding other remedies in law or equity.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 187, § 3; P.L. 2002, ch. 188, § 3; P.L. 2004, ch. 221, § 2; P.L. 2004, ch. 223, § 2; P.L. 2005, ch. 142, § 2; P.L. 2005, ch. 143, § 2; P.L. 2023, ch. 83, § 1, effective June 19, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 84, § 1, effective June 19, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128.1 - Lead Hazard Mitigation › Section 42-128.1-13. - Rhode Island lead hazard technical assistance service.

§ 42-128.1-13. Rhode Island lead hazard technical assistance service.
(a) Establishment and purposes.
(1)
The Rhode Island housing resources commission shall establish a “Rhode Island lead hazard technical assistance service” program for the purposes of providing technical assistance to property owners to achieve compliance with this chapter and the Lead Poisoning Prevention Act, chapter 24.6 of title 23.
(2)
The services of the program shall subject to appropriation, include, but shall not be limited to: evaluation of the need for lead hazard mitigation in a dwelling; review of independent inspection results; identification of and arranging funding for conduction lead hazard abatement and mitigation, and supplying any materials, assistance, and services that may be needed by property owners to achieve compliance with this chapter and the Lead Poisoning Prevention Act in an affordable manner.
(b) Historic properties.
On or before November 1, 2005, the housing resources commission, in conjunction with the historic preservation and heritage Commission, shall initiate the following activities to assist owners of historic properties to comply with the provisions of this chapter: (i) provide technical assistance; (ii) identify financial resources available for compliance; and (iii) seek additional resources for this purpose.
(c) Cooperation with Rhode Island housing and mortgage finance corporation.
The housing resources commission is hereby authorized to cooperate with the Rhode Island housing and mortgage finance corporation in putting the provisions of this section into effect, and the Rhode Island housing and mortgage finance corporation is hereby authorized to exercise its powers under § 42-55-5.1 to provide for the implementation of this section.
(d) Exercise of powers.
The housing resources commission is hereby expressly authorized to exercise any or all of its general powers set forth in § 42-128-7 to accomplish the purpose of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 187, § 3; P.L. 2002, ch. 188, § 3; P.L. 2005, ch. 142, § 2; P.L. 2005, ch. 143, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128.1 - Lead Hazard Mitigation › Section 42-128.1-14. - Escrow account.

§ 42-128.1-14. Escrow account.
(a)
Notwithstanding any general law, public law, special law, or any agreement, whether written or oral, a tenant may file a petition to deposit the tenant’s rent in an escrow account in the district court with jurisdiction of the leased property, whenever the leased property is not compliant with the risk reduction provisions of this chapter, including, but not limited to, the requirement for a valid certificate of conformance, any rules or regulations derived therefrom, or upon any licensed inspector’s finding of the existence of lead hazards in the property. Upon the petition to the district court, and after notice to the owner of the premises and a hearing thereon, the district court shall order the deposit of the tenant’s rent within the registry of the court, consistent with district court rules of procedure, upon a determination that the leased property is not compliant with the risk reduction provisions of this chapter, or upon any licensed inspector’s finding of the existence of lead hazards in the property.
(b)
Other rights or remedies.
The right of a tenant to deposit rent in the registry of the court does not preclude the tenant from pursuing any other right or remedy available to the tenant at law or equity.
(c)
Release of funds within the registry of the court.
Money deposited within the registry of the court shall be released to the property owner, or designee, upon the court’s determination of compliance by the property owner with the applicable risk reduction standard and state lead poisoning prevention laws.
(d)
Notwithstanding subsection (c), the court shall release money from the registry of the court to the tenant, or designee, if the tenant has incurred costs to comply with the applicable risk reduction standard and state lead poisoning prevention laws on presentation of a bill of the reasonable costs of complying with the applicable risk reduction standard or other state lead poisoning prevention laws. Any money to be released under this subsection shall be subtracted from the money to be released under subsection (c).
(e)
Retaliatory actions prohibited.
A lessee may not be evicted, the tenancy may not be terminated, the rent may not be raised, or any services reduced, because a lessee in good faith elects to seek the remedies under this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 2023, ch. 85, § 1, effective June 19, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 86, § 1, effective June 19, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128.2 - Expedited Permitting for Affordable Housing › Section 42-128.2-1. - Findings.

§ 42-128.2-1. Findings.
The general assembly finds and declares that:
(a)
The availability of affordable housing is a critical concern to the current well-being and the future prosperity of the people of Rhode Island;
(b)
All towns in Rhode Island, with an obligation to do so, have adopted affordable housing plans as required by chapters 286 and 324 of the public laws of 2004;
(c)
The housing resources commission in conjunction with the statewide planning program has adopted a strategic plan for affordable housing as required by “The Comprehensive Housing Production and Rehabilitation Act of 2004;”
(d)
The people of Rhode Island in 2006 approved a bond issue to support the development of affordable housing in the state; and
(e)
The slowness and uncertainty of securing permits and regulatory approval from state agencies can impair the viability of affordable housing development, make such development more expensive, and can jeopardize federal and other monies.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 441, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 477, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128.2 - Expedited Permitting for Affordable Housing › Section 42-128.2-2. - Purpose.

§ 42-128.2-2. Purpose.
The purposes of this chapter are to facilitate implementation of local and state plans for the provision of affordable housing and to optimize the use of public resources, including proceeds from bond issues, by providing expedited processing by state agencies of applications for projects that would provide affordable housing as set forth in this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 441, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 477, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128.2 - Expedited Permitting for Affordable Housing › Section 42-128.2-4. - Request for status as a housing project of critical concern.

§ 42-128.2-4. Request for status as a housing project of critical concern.
A person may apply to the Rhode Island housing resources commission and request that a project be classified as a project of critical housing concern. Said request shall contain a description of how the project is consistent with applicable provisions of state plans pertaining to affordable housing developments. Not more than five (5) days after the receipt of such request, the chairperson, or the executive director acting on behalf of the chairperson, shall refer the request to statewide planning for review of the probable consistency of the project with the applicable provisions of the state guide plan. The associate director shall issue a determination of probable consistency to the chairperson within twenty (20) days. If the associate director has made a determination of probable consistency, the Rhode Island housing resources commission shall render a written decision on the request within sixty (60) days of the filing and receipt of the request. If the project is found to be a housing project of critical concern, the Rhode Island housing resources commission may issue a certificate of critical housing concern. A certificate of critical housing concern shall expire two (2) years from the date of issuance.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 441, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 477, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128.2 - Expedited Permitting for Affordable Housing › Section 42-128.2-5. - Filing of certificate.

§ 42-128.2-5. Filing of certificate.
A person shall file the certificate of critical concern with the appropriate state agency that has licensing or permitting authority over the project. A person must file the certificate of critical concern at the time of filing the necessary permit application(s) required for the project with the state agency. The state agency shall give priority to the project of critical concern in the handling and processing of the application.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 441, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 477, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128.2 - Expedited Permitting for Affordable Housing › Section 42-128.2-6. - Action by state agency.

§ 42-128.2-6. Action by state agency.
(a)
Within three (3) months of the submission of a substantially complete application, the state agency must render a written report on the status of the application. The report shall contain information, which will enable the person to make a sound business decision as to whether or not to pursue the application. The report shall be sent to the applicant.
(b)
If the application is not granted, then the state agency shall on the fourth (4th), fifth (5th), and sixth (6th) months of the anniversary of submission render a written report on the status of the application. If at the end of the sixth (6th) month, a decision has not been rendered on the application, then, in addition to the applicant, a copy of the written report shall be rendered monthly thereafter to the associate director of the department of administration for planning and the Rhode Island housing resources commission until a decision to accept or reject the application has been made.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 441, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 477, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128.2 - Expedited Permitting for Affordable Housing › Section 42-128.2-7. - Permitting or licensing requirements.

§ 42-128.2-7. Permitting or licensing requirements.
The issuance of and the filing of a certificate of critical housing concern does not constitute, and shall not be considered, a waiver of any element, rule, regulation, or statute upon which the license or permit is granted.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 441, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 477, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128.2 - Expedited Permitting for Affordable Housing › Section 42-128.2-8. - Rulemaking.

§ 42-128.2-8. Rulemaking.
The housing resources commission, at a regular quarterly meeting shall promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with chapter 35 of this title to implement this chapter, including, but not limited to, provisions to define an application and criteria to determine the significance of any application in meeting the purposes of this act.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 441, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 477, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128.3 - Housing Incentives for Municipalities › Section 42-128.3-1 - Short title.

§ 42-128.3-1 Short title.
This chapter shall be known as “Housing Incentives for Municipalities.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 162, art. 14, § 5, effective July 6, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128.3 - Housing Incentives for Municipalities › Section 42-128.3-2. - Establishment of program.

§ 42-128.3-2. Establishment of program.
There is hereby established a housing incentive for municipalities program to be administered as set forth in § 42-128-2.1, in consultation with the division of statewide planning and the Rhode Island housing and mortgage finance corporation.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 162, art. 14, § 5, effective July 6, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128.3 - Housing Incentives for Municipalities › Section 42-128.3-3. - Purposes.

§ 42-128.3-3. Purposes.
The coordinating committee is authorized and empowered to carry out the program for the following purposes:
(1)
To foster and maintain strong collaborations with municipalities in the state.
(2)
To support and assist municipalities in promoting housing production that adequately meets the needs of Rhode Island’s current and future residents.
(3)
To make diverse, high-quality, and accessible housing options readily available to residents within their local communities.
(4)
To enable residents to live near convenient public transit and other commercial and cultural resources.
(5)
To make development decisions fair, predictable, and cost effective.
(6)
To foster distinctive, attractive, and resilient communities, while preserving the state’s open space, farmland, and natural beauty.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 162, art. 14, § 5, effective July 6, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128.3 - Housing Incentives for Municipalities › Section 42-128.3-4. - Definitions.

§ 42-128.3-4. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1)
“Coordinating committee” means the Rhode Island housing resources coordinating committee established pursuant to § 42-128-2(2).
(2)
“Eligible locations’' means an area designated by the coordinating committee as a suitable site for a housing incentive district by virtue of its infrastructure, existing underutilized facilities, or other advantageous qualities, including (i) Proximity to public transit centers, including commuter rail, bus, and ferry terminals; or (ii) Proximity to areas of concentrated development, including town and city centers or other existing commercial districts.
(3)
“Eligible student” means an individual who (i) Lives in a newly constructed dwelling unit within a housing incentive district, to the extent that the unit could not have been realized under the underlying zoning; and (ii) Attends a school in the city or town.
(4)
“Housing incentive district” means an overlay district adopted by a city or town pursuant to this chapter. A housing incentive district is intended to encourage residential development and must permit minimum residential uses. A housing incentive district may accommodate uses complementary to the primary residential uses, as deemed appropriate by the adopting city or town; however, the majority of development on lots within a housing incentive district must be residential. Land development plans within a housing incentive district shall be treated as minor land development plans, as defined by § 45-23-32, unless otherwise specified by ordinance.
(5)
“School impact offset payments” means a payment to a city or town to help offset increased municipal costs of educating eligible students.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 162, art. 14, § 5, effective July 6, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128.3 - Housing Incentives for Municipalities › Section 42-128.3-5. - Adoption of housing incentive districts.

§ 42-128.3-5. Adoption of housing incentive districts.
(a)
In its zoning ordinance, a city or town may adopt a housing incentive district in any eligible location.
(b)
The adoption, amendment, or repeal of such ordinance shall be in accordance with the provisions of chapter 24 of title 45.
(c)
A housing incentive district shall comply with this chapter and any minimum requirements established by the coordinating committee.
(d)
The zoning ordinance for each housing incentive district shall specify the procedure for land development and subdivision review within the district in accordance with this chapter and the regulations of the coordinating committee.
(e)
Nothing in this chapter shall affect a city or town’s authority to amend its zoning ordinances under chapter 24 of title 45.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 162, art. 14, § 5, effective July 6, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128.3 - Housing Incentives for Municipalities › Section 42-128.3-6. - Assistance to municipalities.

§ 42-128.3-6. Assistance to municipalities.
The coordinating committee is authorized and empowered, at its discretion, to provide all manner of support and assistance to municipalities in connection with fostering local housing production, including, but not limited to:
(1)
Providing technical assistance for the preparation, adoption, or implementation of laws, regulations, or processes related to residential development; and
(2)
Authorizing the Rhode Island housing and mortgage finance corporation to issue school impact offset payments to participating municipalities.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 162, art. 14, § 5, effective July 6, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128.3 - Housing Incentives for Municipalities › Section 42-128.3-7. - Rules and regulations — Reports.

§ 42-128.3-7. Rules and regulations — Reports.
(a)
The coordinating committee is hereby authorized to promulgate rules and regulations as are necessary to fulfill the purposes of this chapter, including, but not limited to, provisions relating to: application criteria; eligible locations for housing incentive districts; minimum requirements for housing incentive districts; eligible students for the calculation of school impact offset payments; and the amount and method of payment to cities and towns for school impact offset payments.
(b)
The coordinating committee shall include in its annual report information on the commitment and disbursement of funds allocated under the program. The report shall be provided to the governor, the secretary of commerce, speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 162, art. 14, § 5, effective July 6, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128.3 - Housing Incentives for Municipalities › Section 42-128.3-8. - Program integrity.

§ 42-128.3-8. Program integrity.
Program integrity being of paramount importance, the coordinating committee shall establish procedures to ensure ongoing compliance with the terms and conditions of the program established herein, including procedures to safeguard the expenditure of public funds and to ensure that the funds further the purposes of the program.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 162, art. 14, § 5, effective July 6, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-128.3 - Housing Incentives for Municipalities › Section 42-128.3-9. - Cooperation.

§ 42-128.3-9. Cooperation.
Any department, agency, council, board, or other public instrumentality of the state shall cooperate with the coordinating committee in relation to the implementation, execution, and administration of the program created under this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 162, art. 14, § 5, effective July 6, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-129 - Persian Gulf War Information Relief Commission › Section 42-129-1. - Definitions.

§ 42-129-1. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1)
“Commission” means the Persian Gulf War information and relief commission;
(2)
“Director” means the director of the department of human services;
(3)
“Department” means the department of human services;
(4)
“Veteran” means a person who (i) was a resident of the state at the time of his or her induction into the armed forces of the United States or is currently a resident of the state, and (ii) served during the Persian Gulf War during Operation Desert Shield or Operation Desert Storm, as defined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any hostilities in Southwest Asia conducted after September 11, 2001; and
(5)
“Gulf War-related risk substance” means any environmental or chemical substance or condition which was present in the Persian Gulf region during and following the Persian Gulf War or which was present during hostilities in Southwest Asia subsequent to September 11, 2001, including, but not limited to, pesticides, chemical or biological warfare agents, vaccines, pyridostigmine bromide, infectious diseases, depleted uranium, oil well fires and smoke and petroleum products.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 79, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 323, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 61, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 73, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-129 - Persian Gulf War Information Relief Commission › Section 42-129-3. - Duties.

§ 42-129-3. Duties.
(a)
The Persian Gulf War information and relief commission shall advise the department of human services on: (1) medical, administrative and social assistance needed for veterans who were or may have been exposed to any Gulf War-related risk substance, and (2) information that should be provided to veterans concerning epidemiological or other studies relating to exposure to any Gulf War-related risk substance, and any illness suffered by veterans of military service in the Persian Gulf War or any hostilities occurring in Southwest Asia subsequent to September 11, 2001 as a result of such veterans’ exposure to any Gulf War-related risk substance, which are being conducted by the federal government.
(b)
The commission shall not disclose information received pursuant to this chapter so as to divulge the identities of the persons to whom it relates except as is necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
(c)
The commission shall submit a preliminary report to the governor and the general assembly on or before April 1, 1999, on its findings, recommendations and conclusions. The commission shall submit annual reports thereafter on or before February fifteenth of each year.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 79, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 323, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 61, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 73, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-129 - Persian Gulf War Information Relief Commission › Section 42-129-4. - Appropriation.

§ 42-129-4. Appropriation.
There is hereby appropriated, out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2002, the sum of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for the Persian Gulf War information relief commission for general operating expenses and to conduct a health survey profile of Persian Gulf War veterans; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of this sum, or so much of it as may be from time to time required, upon receipt by him or her of properly authenticated vouchers.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 136, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-131 - Intergovernmental Relations Council › Section 42-131-1. - Creation of council.

§ 42-131-1. Creation of council.
There is created and established an intergovernmental relations council of Rhode Island to be referred to as “the council.” The legislative authority for the council shall cease as of June 30, 2005, unless the council is continued under the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 351, § 1.