Bill > S2681

This bill establishes a state-funded rental subsidy program to help Rhode Islanders with the lowest incomes exit homelessness and maintain stable housing by providing rental assistance directly to housing projects. The program, to be administered by the State of Rhode Island Executive Office of Housing, will be initially funded with $25 million from the general fund, with further appropriations starting July 1, 2026. It defines key terms like "eligible household" as individuals or families experiencing homelessness or at risk of it, who are extremely low, very low, or low-income, or have a long-term disability and need supportive services, with priority given to those referred through the Rhode Island Continuum of Care (CoC), which is a federally designated group coordinating homeless services. The bill specifies that the rental assistance will be "project-based," meaning it's tied to a specific housing unit, and will be adjusted to ensure tenants pay no more than 30% of their gross household income for rent, regardless of the overall rent for the development. The program will also ensure that assisted housing units meet national standards for physical inspection (NSPIRE) and will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination and fair housing laws, including protections related to source of income. The bill will become effective upon passage.