Rhode Island House Bill H5665

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/25
• Refer: 2/26/25

Caption

Updates the Homeless Bill of Rights to add rules governing the interaction with encampments and include the right to access clean and sanitary conditions.

Impact

The proposed amendments entail a requirement for law enforcement and public works departments to adopt written policies that uphold the rights outlined in the Homeless Bill of Rights. These policies must recognize the privacy rights of individuals living in temporary housing conditions, including tents, and must ensure that any enforcement actions to displace homeless individuals are preceded by adequate notice. This bill aims to create a more compassionate and structured approach to addressing homelessness while balancing public safety and community needs.

Summary

House Bill 5665 seeks to update the existing Homeless Bill of Rights by adding regulations that govern interactions with homeless encampments. This bill emphasizes that no individual should be discriminated against due to their housing status, reinforcing the rights of homeless individuals to use public spaces and access services without hindrance. The legislation serves to clarify and expand the protections available to those experiencing homelessness, ensuring they have equal treatment in various public domains such as employment, medical care, and sanitation facilities.

Contention

Notably, the bill mandates that individuals residing in public encampments must receive at least sixty days' notice before any enforcement actions can be taken to vacate these spaces. Critics of the bill may raise concerns about the feasibility of its provisions and how they might complicate local efforts to manage public spaces. Proponents argue that this hands-on approach respects the dignity of homeless individuals while providing necessary legal protections against abrupt dislocation and ensures their fundamental rights are safeguarded.