New Bill Aims to Improve Accessible Housing in Rhode Island

House Bill 5268 and Senate Bill 714 would require new apartment buildings and condos to be built more accessibly. Right now, people with disabilities and older adults are struggling to find accessible housing. This legislation would improve that:

Housing Access Download

WHAT IT DOES

Requires 25% of all first-floor units to be fully accessible (see above for more information)
Requires the other 75% of first-floor units & 100% of all other floors to be adaptable
The RI Department of Housing will enforce these rules

NEXT STEPS & SUPPORT

Right now the bills have been introduced by Representative Tina Spears and Senator Jacob Bissaillon with support from Rep. Megan Cotter, Rep. Thomas Noret, Rep. Kathleen Fogarty, Rep. Jennifer Stewart, Rep. Jennifer Boylan, Rep. June Speakman, Rep. Joseph McNamara, Rep. Teresa Tanzi and Rep. Rebecca Kislak.

The bill has been referred to committee and is currently awaiting a hearing.

If you are interested in support this bill, please contact us.