Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S0714

Introduced
3/7/25  

Caption

Creates the home-fit dwelling units act to apply to all new construction of covered dwelling units to incorporate design features that provide safe and convenient use of to the greatest extent feasible, regardless of age or physical ability.

Impact

If enacted, the Home-Fit Dwelling Units Act will significantly influence state laws by integrating accessibility requirements into the building codes for residential units. The design standards mandated by the bill will apply universally to new constructions, which may lead to higher compliance costs for builders and developers. However, it also promotes inclusivity and aims to facilitate independent living for individuals with disabilities. Local governments will be tasked with enforcing these regulations and ensuring compliance during the permitting process.

Summary

Bill S0714, known as the Home-Fit Dwelling Units Act, proposes the establishment of new standards for all new constructions of covered dwelling units to ensure accessibility and usability for individuals of all ages and abilities. The core aim of this legislation is to mandate design features that promote safe and convenient use, making provisions for improving overall housing conditions for residents with physical disabilities. This includes explicitly requiring that at least 25% of such units meet Type A standards, which are more stringent in terms of accessibility requirements.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding this bill, particularly regarding the financial implications for developers. While proponents argue that increasing accessibility in newly constructed homes is essential, critics may raise concerns about the costs associated with adhering to such standards, especially in regions where housing affordability is already a challenge. Additionally, the bill allows for exceptions to the requirements if compliance is deemed impractical or results in excessive costs, which may lead to debates about what constitutes an unreasonable burden on developers and the potential adequacy of such exceptions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6179

Requires the Rhode Island housing authority to update the count of affordable housing stock in the town of Tiverton two (2) times per year.

RI H6180

Ensures that minimum egress requirements for conventional subdivisions in Tiverton apply equally to comprehensive permit applications and cannot be waived, modified, or reduced for such applications.

RI H6184

Permits Tiverton to require two parking space for each studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom low- or moderate-income housing units upon the determination that limited or no local public transportation or off-street parking availability near these units.

RI H5692

Allows the operation of a home-based business, which meets criteria for home office IRS income tax deduction, without securing approval from the municipality with no storage of chemicals/park heavy equipment/not more than 10% of premises used for parking.

RI H5022

Increases the maximum state and municipal small purchase limits from $10,000 to $25,000 for construction projects and from $5,000 to $10,000 for all other state and municipal purchases.

RI H6182

Requires any person who applies to rent or purchase a residence located in Town of Tiverton which qualifies as low and moderate income housing, shall require proof of Rhode Island residency or employment by a local, state or federal entity.

RI H6215

Requires the town of Tiverton to require a minimum number of affordable housing units if there is less than ten percent (10%) of affordable housing in the town.

RI H5371

Allows the towns of Burrillville and Glocester to publish notices in any newspaper located within their municipalities and would also allow publication in other designated digital or print platforms selected by their city or town councils.

Similar Bills

CA AB368

Energy: building standards: passive house standards.

MS HB1166

State Fire Marshal's Office; authorize to approve construction plans for buildings not less than 75 feet tall.

IL SB2429

UNI CONSTRUCT MANAGE AUTO ACT

IL HB2930

UNIO CONSTRUCT MANAGE AUTO ACT

CA SB71

Solid waste: disposal.

CA AB43

Greenhouse gas emissions: building materials: embodied carbon trading system.

RI H5268

Creates the home-fit dwelling units act to apply to all new construction of covered dwelling units to incorporate design features that provide safe and convenient use of to the greatest extent feasible, regardless of age or physical ability.

TX HB2955

Relating to the regulation of industrialized housing by the manufactured housing division of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs; providing a criminal penalty; authorizing fees.