The State House was buzzing this past week with a flurry of new legislation, much of it zeroing in on Rhode Island’s perennial challenge: housing. From zoning overhauls to tax tweaks and new construction initiatives, lawmakers are clearly feeling the pressure to get more homes built. Beyond bricks and mortar, a host of other proposals touched on everything from healthcare to local governance. Meanwhile, several existing bills took steps forward, inching closer to becoming law.

What’s New

A significant package of bills aims to reshape local zoning to boost housing. S1083 and S1085 push for more diverse housing types, compelling towns to allow “attached single-family dwellings” (like townhouses) and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) by simplified permit. Both bills champion easier conversion of old commercial buildings into apartments, especially with affordable units, and clarify that basements don’t count towards floor area and land slope can’t reduce buildable area. S1085 also defines “co-living housing” and treats compliant manufactured homes as single-family. Development approvals could be streamlined under S1086, making pre-application meetings optional for major projects and refining rules for adaptive reuse and inclusionary zoning, which would mandate affordable units with density bonuses. Providence’s property tax system is targeted by S1116; while it sets a general 4% tax levy cap, it allows the capital city to define more specific property types and adjust rates, potentially shifting the tax burden. For Warwick, S1096 authorizes a $50 million bond for two new high schools and city-wide recreational facilities, pending voter approval.

The housing theme continues. S1088 aims to smooth the path for low- and moderate-income housing by modifying the comprehensive permit process and mandating density bonuses. Towns would need to allow residential development in commercial districts under S1090, and S1092 pushes for more housing types beyond single-family homes near public utilities. State power gets a boost with S1093, allowing state agencies to build housing on state land, potentially bypassing local zoning. If municipalities use inclusionary zoning, S1102 mandates at least 15% affordable units in new developments.

Tiverton sees specific housing bills: S1098 and S1107 detail comprehensive permit processes with density bonuses. S1105 could require 50% affordable units in new Tiverton developments if the town is below its 10% goal. Other Tiverton measures include S1103 (residency/employment requirements), S1106 (potential moratorium), S1100 (water well testing), and S1109 (construction timelines).

On the non-housing front, S1087 mandates a statewide electronic permitting system. Property tax caps are addressed in S1091 (exceeding caps for new homes with affordable units) and S1095 (4% cap with a Little Compton option). Warwick’s tax flexibility increases with S1097. Providence could see tax shifts under S1114, and S1115 could mean new taxes for nonprofit colleges.

Public project contractors face new benefit rules under S1113. Utility customers might get a break with H6361 (quarterly meter reads). Tiverton gains property tax tools with H6363, and East Greenwich could deny licenses for unpaid taxes via H6364. H6353 allows primary care docs an annual fee. LLC law gets an overhaul with H6344. Warwick’s charter could change under S1111.

Also new are measures like S1089 reorganizing the state building code office, S1108 restricting affordable housing permits in Tiverton’s watershed districts, and S1110 potentially doubling Galilee’s boat passenger fee. Other minor proposals adjust zoning administration (S1084), mandate affordable housing counts in Tiverton (S1099), allow Tiverton specific parking rules for affordable units (S1101), ensure Tiverton’s egress rules apply to affordable housing (S1104), update liquor license insurance (H6354), tweak casino marketing (S1112), offer Little Compton a specific tax cap option (H6362), and modify workers’ comp for some public safety officers (S1060A).

What’s Moving

Several bills took a step forward, clearing their respective committees. These include H6088A (standards for home foot care nurses), H5229A (a “Housing Champion” program for municipalities), H5247A (updating deceptive trade practices), and H5358A (clarifying prostitution defenses and protecting victims). All these bills now have passed committee.

Also advancing from committee are: H5182A (cost-sharing for private access routes), H5088A (helmet covers for student football players), H5522A (state agency rule-making), H6235A (nonprofit high-earner disclosure), S0514A (online retirement board meeting recordings), S0532A (oversized vehicle permits), and H5723A (preference for state printing).

The legislative hopper is clearly full as we approach the final month of the session, with a strong emphasis on tackling the state’s housing shortage from multiple angles. Whether these ambitious proposals will translate into actual new homes and more affordable living remains to be seen, but the sheer volume indicates a sense of urgency. Tax policies, local governance, and public safety also saw considerable action, promising a busy session ahead as these bills navigate the path to becoming law.