AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- HOMELESS BILL OF RIGHTS

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

Requires at least 20 days written notice before removing public encampments, with exceptions for urgent safety or site needs.

05/21/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study

Summary of SB 3298 (Session 2026) – Rhode Island

Purpose and intent

This act, titled the Homeless Bill of Rights, adds a new provision governing the removal or relocation of encampments on public property.

The core objective is to establish a defined process and notice requirement before encampments can be forcibly removed or relocated.

Key provisions and changes

Section 34-37.1-7 Encampments:

Before removing an encampment on public property, the removing agency must give at least 20 days of written notice to the occupants. The notice must specify the timeframe to vacate and be posted on the encampment itself.
A copy of the notice must also be provided to:
The Executive Office of Housing (EOH)
The Regional Access Points identified by the EOH
Exceptions to the notice requirement (no 20-day notice required) include:
Encampments located within a state or federal right-of-way where there is an immediate public safety need for removal.
Encampments located in or directly adjacent to an active construction site.
Encampments interfering with scheduled public infrastructure repairs, maintenance, or inspections.
Encampments on or near areas with environmental hazards.
Other circumstances with an immediate and documented public safety or health concern regarding the encampment’s location.
Definition: An encampment is defined as a temporary outdoor shelter in public spaces not intended for human habitation, which may be inhabited by individuals and may include their personal belongings.
Movement within the same lot or to a contiguous lot after a written notice does not require a new notice or a new notice period.

Section 2 (Effective date):

The act takes effect on October 1, 2026.

Affected parties and entities

Public property occupants who are living in encampments: they are entitled to a formal 20-day written notice prior to removal, barring specified exceptions.

Removing agencies on public property: must adhere to the notice requirements and coordinate with the EOH and Regional Access Points.

Rhode Island Executive Office of Housing (EOH) and Regional Access Points: designated recipients of encampment removal notices.

Procedural and timeline considerations

Notice timeline: Minimum 20 days’ written notice prior to encampment removal, with posting on the encampment.

Notice delivery: A copy to EOH and Regional Access Points.

Exceptions to notice: Immediate safety, construction, infrastructure work, environmental hazards, or other immediate safety/health concerns.

Relocation within same lot or adjacent lot: Does not require additional notice once initial notice has been given.

Enactment date: October 1, 2026, giving agencies time to implement the new process.

Practical impact

The bill formalizes a due-process style approach to encampment removals, emphasizing advance notice and coordination with housing authorities.

It narrows the circumstances under which encampments can be removed without a 20-day notice, potentially reducing abrupt removals in non-emergency contexts.

Agencies must balance safety and infrastructure needs with the rights and housing considerations of individuals living in encampments.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to current Rhode Island policies or outline potential administrative steps for agencies to implement these requirements.