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SB 200

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- BED BUGS IN RESIDENTIAL PREMISES ACT

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 3 co-sponsors

SB 200 creates landlord duties to detect, disclose, and treat bed bug infestations in Rhode Island rental properties, establishing tenant protections and regulatory standards.

05/15/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 200

Legislative bill overview

SB 200 establishes regulatory requirements for managing bed bug infestations in residential rental properties in Rhode Island. The bill creates standards for landlord responsibilities, tenant notifications, and treatment protocols to address what has become an increasing public health concern in rental housing.

Why is this important

Bed bug infestations have surged nationally and create significant quality-of-life issues for tenants, including health impacts, psychological stress, and financial burden. Clear statutory requirements clarify landlord obligations and tenant rights, reducing disputes and establishing accountability in an area where current law may be ambiguous.

Potential points of contention

  • Landlord compliance costs: Treatment requirements may impose substantial financial burdens on property owners, potentially affecting rental affordability or leading to cost-shifting to tenants
  • Tenant responsibility boundaries: Questions about whether tenants bear any responsibility for infestations (particularly those brought in by occupants) and how to allocate treatment costs fairly
  • Enforcement mechanisms: Whether the bill provides adequate enforcement tools and who investigates violations (health department, housing authority, private lawsuits), and whether penalties are sufficient deterrents

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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