RI
Rhode Island House Bill H5948

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H5948

Introduced
2/28/25  
Refer
2/28/25  
Report Pass
6/10/25  
Engrossed
6/16/25  
Engrossed
6/18/25  

Caption

Ensures that RI DOH is able to access the full calendar year worth of housing choice voucher data by moving the report submission deadline to align with availability of federal data.

Impact

The passage of H5948 is expected to significantly improve the flow and quality of data concerning housing vouchers in Rhode Island. By facilitating a more comprehensive report, the bill aims to ensure that necessary stakeholders have access to accurate information that can shape policy decisions around housing. The act mandates public housing authorities to collect and report data on fee collections, funded projects, unfunded vouchers, and utilization rates of housing vouchers, thereby fostering greater accountability and transparency in managing low and moderate-income housing.

Summary

House Bill H5948 aims to amend the timeline and content of annual reporting requirements for the Rhode Island Department of Housing regarding low and moderate-income housing. Specifically, the bill proposes to change the deadline for submitting reports concerning Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers so that they align with the availability of federal data. This alignment is crucial for providing a comprehensive account of housing vouchers received and utilized, as well as the administrative aspects surrounding them. By positioning the report's due date to a point when all necessary data is accessible, the bill seeks to enhance the accuracy and relevance of housing reports delivered to the General Assembly and associated commissions.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding the bill appears supportive, especially among stakeholders focused on increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of housing assistance programs in Rhode Island. The adjustments proposed in H5948 underscore a commitment to improving state resources allocated for housing initiatives. Some critiques may arise concerning the management and efficiency of local housing authorities, but the primary view remains focused on the benefits of enhanced data reporting, which is considered a positive step towards better governance in housing-related policies.

Contention

While no major points of contention have been explicitly noted in the discussions surrounding H5948, the primary concern may involve the potential administrative burden on public housing authorities to comply with new reporting requirements. Ensuring that all municipalities adhere to standardized reporting formats may present challenges. However, the overall intent to fortify data accuracy and budget allocation for housing assistance tends to overshadow these potential issues, suggesting that stakeholders largely view the bill as progressive and necessary.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H8336

Amends the definition of "low- and moderate-income housing" to include housing secured by a federal government voucher or subsidy, but only if the voucher or subsidy is applied prospectively.

RI S2089

Amends the definition of "low and moderate income housing" to include housing secured by a federal government voucher or subsidy.

RI S2868

Authorizes the department of housing to issue bonds in the amount of $50,000,000 with a maturity date not to exceed 20 years, to establish the housing production revolving fund, to promote the development of housing and ensuring more affordable housing.

RI H7923

Authorizes the department of housing to issue bonds in the amount of $50,000,000 with a maturity date not to exceed 20 years, to establish the housing production revolving fund, to promote the development of housing and ensuring more affordable housing.

RI H7984

Provides that mobile and manufactured homes be included as affordable housing under certain conditions.

RI S3024

Exempts 30% of the lessor’s assessed real property tax expense over $19,500 for each calendar year remaining on the 10 year lease dated July 27, 2021, of Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

RI S2993

Provides that mobile and manufactured homes be included as affordable housing under certain conditions.

RI H7699

Restructures RI Housing and Conservation Trust Fund, increase its membership to 15 members, 11 of whom are to be from the general public and reallocate the percentage of the funds for housing, conservation and other goals.

RI S2638

Restructures RI Housing and Conservation Trust Fund, increase its membership to 15 members, 11 of whom are to be from the general public and reallocate the percentage of the funds for housing, conservation and other goals.

RI H6081

Low And Moderate Income Housing

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.