Rhode Island House Bill H8146

Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/5/24
• Refer: 4/5/24
• Report Pass: 5/9/24
• Passed: 5/15/24

Caption

HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE REPORTING AND EXPIRATIONS DATES AND AMENDING THE PURPOSE OF THE SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO REVIEW AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POLICIES THAT DEAL WITH NUMEROUS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL SHORT-TERM RENTALS ISSUES (This resolution would amend and expand the purpose of said legislative commission, and extend the reporting and expirations dates from March 15, 2024, to September 30, 2025, and said commission would expire on December 10, 2025.)

Impact

The legislative commission will engage in a thorough investigation of existing Rhode Island laws regarding short-term rentals, assessing their enforcement and registration processes. It aims to address the potential conflicts between state and municipal regulations, particularly regarding taxation and the regulation of short-term rental properties. The study will also explore the broader implications of short-term rentals on the housing market, focusing on their impact on local communities and neighborhoods. This timely inquiry seeks to balance the benefits of short-term rentals with the need to ensure communities are protected and regulations are effectively enforced.

Summary

House Bill H8146, introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly, proposes the extension of reporting and expiration dates for a special legislative commission tasked with reviewing and providing recommendations on issues relating to short-term rentals. Initially created in 2023, the commission is now authorized to continue its study until September 30, 2025, with an expiration date set for December 10, 2025. This bill expands the commission's purpose to include a comprehensive examination of the impact of short-term rentals on local municipalities and the state's tourism sector.

Contention

Notable areas of contention surrounding H8146 include the debate over state pre-emption of local control regarding housing regulations and the implications of taxation associated with short-term rentals. Opponents may argue that excessive state control could hinder local governments' ability to address community-specific needs. Conversely, proponents of the extended commission may argue that a consistent framework is needed to minimize confusion among residents and stakeholders involved in the short-term rental market. Additionally, the commission will aim to develop a clear definition of short-term rentals, which may also become a point of debate as stakeholders voice differing perspectives on what constitutes a short-term rental.