If enacted, H6097 would empower property owners to legally list their rental properties on hosting platforms without facing local governmental restrictions, as long as they adhere to specific registration and tax requirements. This measure intends to promote tourism and bolster local economies by expanding the availability of short-term accommodations, ultimately enhancing the attractiveness of Rhode Island as a travel destination. Additionally, the bill imposes a registration mandate for all short-term rental properties, requiring property owners to submit pertinent details to the Department of Business Regulation.
House Bill H6097, titled 'Relating to State Affairs and Government - Tourism and Development', proposes substantial alterations in the regulation of short-term rentals through hosting platforms in Rhode Island. Introduced by Representatives Carson, McGaw, Speakman, Edwards, and Vella-Wilkinson, the bill seeks to amend existing legislation concerning how residential units can be offered for transient use. Specifically, it aims to eliminate prohibitions previously placed by municipalities on the offering of residential units for tourist purposes via online platforms, provided that these platforms comply with state tax regulations.
There may be points of contention surrounding the implications of this bill on local control and zoning ordinances. Opponents may argue that removing the municipal ability to regulate short-term rentals could lead to a rise in issues such as neighborhood disruptions, increased housing costs, and displacing long-term residents. Supporters, on the other hand, are likely to assert that the bill could stimulate economic growth by increasing the number of available tourist accommodations while ensuring compliance with tax obligations, thereby benefiting local economies and the state's revenue.