Bill Sponsors
Nardone, Roberts, Chippendale, Noret, Serpa, and Read
Committee
House Municipal Government & Housing
Summary
Select
This bill requires the Rhode Island housing authority to count and document the number of affordable housing units located in the town of Coventry. The housing authority must perform this verification process two times every year.
Sponsor
Analysis
Pros for Progressives
- Ensures accurate tracking of affordable housing availability in Coventry, which is crucial for supporting low-income individuals and families.
- Promotes government transparency and accountability regarding social safety net programs by requiring documented, bi-annual housing stock verification.
- Provides consistent data that can be used to advocate for systemic reforms and the expansion of affordable housing initiatives in the community.
Cons for Progressives
- The bill only targets the town of Coventry, failing to address the statewide need for comprehensive affordable housing tracking and expansion.
- It merely requires counting and documenting the housing stock, lacking any mandates or funding to actually build more affordable homes for marginalized communities.
- Focuses on administrative tasks and paperwork rather than directly assisting vulnerable populations experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.
Pros for Conservatives
- Focuses strictly on auditing and verifying existing government data, promoting accountability without necessarily expanding welfare programs.
- Limits the bureaucratic mandate to a single town (Coventry), preventing a costly, statewide government tracking expansion.
- Ensures local housing metrics are accurately documented, which could prevent the town from being unfairly penalized by state affordable housing mandates if they have already met their quotas.
Cons for Conservatives
- Increases bureaucratic red tape by forcing a state agency to conduct bi-annual audits of local housing stock.
- Represent a potential state-level intrusion into local municipal affairs by specifically targeting the town of Coventry.
- Wastes taxpayer resources and state employee time on continuous administrative tracking rather than relying on private market solutions for housing.
Constitutional Concerns
None Likely. This bill simply imposes an administrative documentation requirement on a state agency regarding public housing statistics. It does not implicate free speech, due process, or protection from unreasonable searches and seizures.
Impact Overview
Groups Affected
- Rhode Island housing authority
- Coventry residents
- Low and moderate-income individuals
- Coventry municipal officials
- Affordable housing developers
Towns Affected
Coventry
Cost to Taxpayers
Amount unknown
Revenue Generated
None
BillBuddy Impact Ratings
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Regulatory
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Environmental Impact
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Privacy Impact
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Bill Status
Current Status
Held
Comm Passed
Floor Passed
Law
History
• 04/17/2026 Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• 05/22/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (05/26/2026)
• 05/26/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• 05/22/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (05/26/2026)
• 05/26/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Bill Text
SECTION 1. Chapter 45-53 of the General Laws entitled "Low and Moderate Income Housing" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
45-53-17. Affordable housing stock in Coventry.
The Rhode Island housing authority shall verify and document the count of affordable housing stock in the town of Coventry two (2) times per year.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
45-53-17. Affordable housing stock in Coventry.
The Rhode Island housing authority shall verify and document the count of affordable housing stock in the town of Coventry two (2) times per year.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.