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S3298
2026 -- S 3298
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LC006398
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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A N A C T
RELATING TO PROPERTY -- HOMELESS BILL OF RIGHTS
Introduced By:
Senators Mack, and Bissaillon
Date Introduced:
May 15, 2026
Referred To:
Senate Housing & Municipal Government
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
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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 of encampments on public property, the removing agency
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shall provide at least twenty (20) days written notice to the occupants stating the timeframe to
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vacate the encampment, which shall be done by the posting of the notice on the encampment itself,
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and shall provide a copy of such notice to the executive office of housing ("EOH") and the Regional
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Access Points identified and listed by the EOH, 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 and documented public safety or health concern
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regarding the location 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.
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(c) The movement of an encampment by the occupants to another area on the same lot, or
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a contiguous lot after a written notice is given to that same encampment in subsection (a) of this
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section shall not require a new notice or new notice period prior to removal.
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SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on October 1, 2026.
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LC006398
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EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO PROPERTY -- HOMELESS BILL OF RIGHTS
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This act would provide certain procedures that must be followed before an encampment
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can be removed or relocated.
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This act would take effect on October 1, 2026.
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LC006398
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