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SB 3301

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- STATE BUILDING CODE -- ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 1 co-sponsor

Allows municipalities to deploy SAFE Units as temporary housing for homeless during emergencies, with strict safety standards and rapid, overseen approvals.

06/23/2026 Signed by Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 3301

Overview

  • Bill: SB 3301
  • Session: 2026
  • Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
  • Title: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- STATE BUILDING CODE -- ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
  • Purpose: Authorize municipalities to create limited emergency procedures to permit SAFE Units (Supportive and Functional Emergency Units) as temporary housing for people experiencing homelessness, with specific safety requirements and oversight, and to clarify exemptions from certain building and fire code provisions.

Main purpose and intent

  • Allow SAFE Units as a permitted temporary housing option during emergencies (e.g., severe weather, disasters) and, in some cases, through emergency authority exercised by municipalities.
  • Establish minimum safety and design standards for SAFE Units to be considered compliant with the state building code when used in emergencies.
  • Provide a framework for local authorities to fast-track approval and deployment of SAFE Units while maintaining reporting duties to state officials.

Key provisions and changes

  • SAFE Units -- Definition and Scope

    • SAFE Units are defined in Rhode Island law and may be provided as a permitted use or under emergency authority.
    • SAFE Units and their accessory facilities must comply with a detailed set of requirements (see below) to be eligible under this act.

  • State Building Code – SAFE Unit Requirements (23-27.3-101.5)

    • A SAFE Unit must be confirmed by the state fire marshal (or local fire marshal) and a state building official to meet requirements, including:
    • Climate control
    • Locking door
    • Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (hardwired or sealed battery-operated), with NFPA 72 compliance
    • At least one 2.5-pound ABC fire extinguisher
    • Egress window or secondary emergency egress door
    • Unit meets at least Class C fire rating of the International Building Code
    • Size: interior floor area of at least 70 square feet for one occupant; add 50 square feet for each additional occupant; maximum 400 square feet total
    • Live loads: floor 40 psf; vertical wall/roof 15 psf; roof 20 psf; must address snow loads; adequate anchorage
    • Ceiling height: at least 80 inches; unobstructed
    • Egress window: max 44 inches above floor; net opening min 24" high, 20" wide; min opening area 5 sq ft
    • Plumbing/gas: must comply with applicable codes if present
    • Electrical: continuous power source (may be generator or renewable); at least one interior light with battery backup; electric heating with dedicated receptacle unless an alternative heating source is provided; at least one GFCI outlet
    • Ventilation: normal/mechanical ventilation for air replacement
    • Bathrooms/accessories: must comply or be self-contained
    • Separation: when multiple SAFE Units are in a community, minimum 10 feet between units

  • Fire Safety Code Administration (existing provisions)

    • Revisions to 23-28.1-6 establish timelines for review of plans by the authority having jurisdiction; include flexibility and exemptions for SAFE Units (existing exemptions remain in place for SAFE Units under this act).

  • Zoning and Planning Provisions (Chapters 45-24 and 45-24.3)

    • SAFE Units shall be permitted in all residential, and in industrial/commercial districts where residential use is allowed, subject to the SAFE Unit requirements.
    • Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and adaptive reuse provisions are reinforced as permitted uses in certain contexts, with SAFE Units receiving flexible treatment under emergency authority.
    • Adaptive reuse provisions include density and height allowances for projects meeting specific criteria, with SAFE Units treated as compliant when they meet § 23-27.3-101.5.

  • Limited Emergency Authority (45-24-78)

    • Municipalities may suspend planning, zoning, and local building procedures for a declared emergency to allow SAFE Units and comply with 23-27.3-101.5.
    • Emergency declarations may last up to 60 days, renewable for 30-day increments, not to exceed 180 days per year.
    • Municipal leaders must report to the governor, the speaker, the senate president, the municipal council, and the secretary of housing within specified intervals, detailing the emergency and number of individuals served.

  • Housing Maintenance and Occupancy

    • SAFE Units and related exemptions continue to be governed by the broader state housing and occupancy code, with SAFE Units exempt from certain provisions when compliant with 23-27.3-101.5.

Who is affected

  • Municipalities: empowered to declare emergencies and fast-track SAFE Unit deployment under limited emergency authority.
  • State Fire Marshal and local fire marshals: responsible for confirming SAFE Unit compliance with the specified safety requirements.
  • Builders, developers, and property owners: if they pursue SAFE Unit deployments, they must meet the defined standards and may utilize emergency authority provisions.
  • Homeless-serve providers and occupants: potential temporary housing option through SAFE Units during emergencies.
  • State and local government agencies: subject to reporting requirements and oversight related to emergency declarations and SAFE Unit usage.

Procedural and timelines

  • Effective date: upon passage.
  • Plan approvals: for non-emergency builds, usual timelines apply; fire-safety plan reviews must conform to existing codes and timelines (up to 15 days for certain plans, up to 90 days for others, subject to Fire Marshal approvals).
  • Emergency authority: limited to 60-day initial period, with possible 30-day renewals, up to 180 days per year.
  • Reporting: annual or event-driven reporting to state and legislative leadership and the secretary of housing.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Promotes rapid temporary housing solutions in crises while enforcing minimum safety standards for SAFE Units.
  • Creates a clear exemption framework for SAFE Units from certain building and fire code provisions when compliant with the defined requirements.
  • Balances emergency housing needs with public safety through mandatory compliance checks and oversight.
  • Could influence zoning practices by codifying SAFE Unit allowances in multiple zoning districts, subject to local adoption and emergency authority.

Note: The summary emphasizes substantive provisions, compliance requirements, affected parties, and the procedural timeline without expressing policy opinion.

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

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