Rhode Island Senate Bill S2939

Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/13/22
• Refer: 5/13/22

Caption

Appropriations -- American Recovery Program Act Housing Fund And Creating Reliable Efficient Affordable Tenancies Expeditiously -- "create" Homes Act

Impact

The enactment of S2939 is poised to significantly alter existing state laws governing housing and related services. Central to the bill is the establishment of a Housing Development Fund which will facilitate the hiring of personnel to effectively manage and spearhead housing initiatives across municipalities. The Department of Housing will have the authority to bypass certain municipal regulations to expedite the development of affordable housing units. Thus, local governments may find their regulatory powers curtailed in favor of state-level control, potentially leading to pushback from local leaders concerned about maintaining oversight over their community developments.

Summary

Bill S2939, also known as the 'Create Homes Act', aims to enhance housing availability and affordability in Rhode Island by establishing a new Department of Housing. This is a significant structural reform aimed at addressing the ongoing housing crisis through efficient and reliable tenancy solutions. The bill is designed to coordinate various housing development efforts and provides substantial funding, totaling $150 million, to be allocated towards housing development initiatives. The legislation also dictates the development of specific affordable housing units within larger projects to ensure that tangible progress is made towards availability within the housing market.

Contention

Notable contention surrounding S2939 stems from the authority granted to the new housing department, particularly regarding its ability to override local zoning laws when municipalities fail to meet affordable housing benchmarks. Critics voice concerns about diminished local control and the potential negative impact this centralization may have on community needs and local input in housing matters. Advocates of the bill argue that the urgency of the housing crisis necessitates such measures, asserting that streamlined processes will lead to better housing outcomes more efficiently. The effectiveness of these regulations will be of critical scrutiny as it is implemented and tested against local needs and responses throughout the state.