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H8000 • 2026

AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- HOMELESS BILL OF RIGHTS (Provides certain procedures that must be followed before an encampment can be removed or relocated.)

AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- HOMELESS BILL OF RIGHTS (Provides certain procedures that must be followed before an encampment can be removed or relocated.)

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Shekarchi, Speakman, Spears, Voas, DeSimone, Biah, Noret, O'Brien
Last action
2026-04-10
Official status
Proposed Substitute
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The plain English breakdown is still being put together. The official documents below are already here.

Bill History

  1. 2026-04-10 Rhode Island General Assembly

    Scheduled for consideration (04/15/2026)

  2. 2026-04-10 Rhode Island General Assembly

    Proposed Substitute

  3. 2026-03-05 Committee

    Committee recommended measure be held for further study

  4. 2026-02-27 Rhode Island General Assembly

    Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing

  5. 2026-02-27 Rhode Island General Assembly

    Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/05/2026)

Official Summary Text

AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- HOMELESS BILL OF RIGHTS (Provides certain procedures that must be followed before an encampment can be removed or relocated.)

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
H8000

2026 -- H 8000
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LC005661
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
____________
A N A C T
RELATING TO PROPERTY -- HOMELESS BILL OF RIGHTS

Introduced By:
Representatives Shekarchi, Speakman, Spears, Voas, DeSimone, Biah,
Noret, and O'Brien

Date Introduced:
February 27, 2026

Referred To:
House Municipal Government & Housing
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
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SECTION 1. Chapter 34-37.1 of the General Laws entitled "Homeless Bill of Rights" is
2
hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
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34-37.1-7. Encampments.

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(a) Prior to the forcible removal or relocation of encampments on public property, the
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removing agency shall provide at least fifteen (15) days written notice to the occupants stating the
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timeframe to vacate the encampment, and shall provide a copy of such notice to local homelessness
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outreach agencies of the same, unless:
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(1) Such encampments are located within a state or federal right of way and there is an
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immediate public safety need for the removal of the encampment; or
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(2) Such encampments are located in or directly adjacent to an active construction site; or
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(3) The encampment interferes with scheduled public infrastructure repairs, maintenance
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or inspections; or
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(4) The encampment is on or near an area which has environmental hazards; or
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(5) There is otherwise an immediate public safety or health concern regarding the location
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of the encampment.
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(b) An encampment is defined as a temporary shelter erected outdoors in public spaces not
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meant for human habitation which may be inhabited by an individual or individuals, and such term
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refers to both individuals and their respective personal belongings.

1
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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LC005661
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LC005661 - Page 2 of 3
EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO PROPERTY -- HOMELESS BILL OF RIGHTS
***
1
This act would provide certain procedures that must be followed before an encampment
2
can be removed or relocated.
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This act would take effect upon passage.
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LC005661
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LC005661 - Page 3 of 3