Bill > H5103

This bill amends the Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act to prohibit landlords from inquiring about or discriminating against housing applicants based on their prior incarceration status. Specifically, the bill adds "incarceration status" and "prior incarceration" to the list of protected characteristics that landlords cannot use to deny housing, create different terms or conditions for renting, or advertise housing in a discriminatory manner. The bill also explicitly prohibits landlords from directly or indirectly asking about an applicant's former address of residence on a rental application. This means that landlords cannot ask potential tenants about their criminal history, refuse to rent to someone because they have been previously incarcerated, or create barriers to housing based on a person's past involvement with the criminal justice system. The goal of the legislation is to reduce housing discrimination and provide more opportunities for individuals who have been previously incarcerated to secure stable housing, which can be crucial for successful reintegration into society. The bill will take effect immediately upon passage.

Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

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