Bill > H7286

This bill updates Rhode Island's Homeless Bill of Rights to include specific protections and procedures related to encampments and access to sanitary conditions. It amends existing law to grant individuals experiencing homelessness the right to access trash receptacles and toilet facilities to maintain clean and sanitary living conditions, and clarifies their right to privacy in temporary housing, including tents, similar to a permanent residence. The bill also introduces new provisions requiring police and public works departments to create and publicly share written policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the Homeless Bill of Rights, specifically stating that tents occupied by homeless individuals should not be subject to unreasonable searches. Furthermore, it establishes a mandatory 60-day written notice period before any enforcement action can be taken to relocate individuals from encampments on public property, requiring that reasonable relocation alternatives be offered in collaboration with outreach workers and that personal property left behind be stored for at least 30 days, except in cases of immediate health or safety hazards. The bill also allows for civil action to enforce these rights, with potential penalties of $2,500 per violation for intentional infringements, and directs collected fines to housing stabilization services.

Justice

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