Bill
SB 2972
Establishes a statewide right to full legal representation for eligible Rhode Island tenants in eviction-related proceedings, funded and administered by a new Division of Civil Rep
Rhode Island Bill SB 2972 (2026) – Residential Tenant's Right to Legal Representation Act
Summary
Purpose and core goal
- Establishes a statutory right to full legal representation for eligible tenants in eviction-related proceedings and certain related housing actions.
- Creates a new state entity, the Division of Civil Representation, within the Department of Housing, to administer and fund the program.
- Aims to reduce the disparate impact of evictions on low- to moderate-income tenants and improve housing stability.
Key provisions and changes
1) Legislative findings (Section 1)
- Documents that eviction proceedings disproportionately affect lower-income households and households of color.
- Argues that providing legal representation supports housing stability, protects rights, and can reduce public spending on shelters and homelessness services over time.
2) New chapter: Residential Tenant’s Right to Legal Representation Act (Chapter 34-18.3)
- Definitions (34-18.3-2) clarify terms:
- Covered proceeding: includes five-day demand notices, termination notices, noncompliance notices, court evictions, administrative hearings with subsidized housing, and actions for unsafe/unhealthy conditions.
- Eligible individual: at risk of eviction or housing loss in specified actions; becomes eligible when served with notices or is a party to relevant proceedings.
- Designated community organization and Designated legal organization: not-for-profit groups that will provide outreach/community education and legal services, respectively, with an emphasis on free or reduced-cost services.
- Legal representation: ongoing legal services (filings, appearances, negotiations, etc.) in a covered proceeding.
- Right to representation (34-18.3-3)
- Creates a civil right to full legal representation for eligible tenants in eviction actions.
- Division of civil representation (34-18.3-4)
- Establishes the division within the Department of Housing, led by a governor-appointed director (subject to Senate confirmation).
- Powers and duties of the division (34-18.3-5)
- Develop, contract for, and fund a statewide legal representation program.
- Annual financial audits and program reports (disaggregated by municipality; includes outcomes, demographics, subsidies, etc.).
- Annual funding estimates and coordination to avoid duplication with other programs.
- Community outreach and education through designated organizations; multilingual and accessible outreach activities.
- Publish resources on tenants’ rights and the program; rules and guidance as needed.
- Program design (34-18.3-6)
- The division will provide: (1) legal representation to eligible tenants in covered proceedings; (2) community outreach/education via designated organizations.
- Consultation required with tenants, legal/community groups, judiciary representatives, municipalities, and other relevant parties.
- Public posting of program information; annual hearings in each municipality to assess and adjust the program.
- Produces an informational pamphlet in English and other required languages describing tenant rights and resources.
- Sheriffs/constables must provide the pamphlet with service in all covered proceedings.
- Lease provisions (34-18.3-7)
- Leases/contracts must include notice of the tenant’s right to legal representation.
- Provisions attempting to waive the right or limiting access to representation are void.
- Additional standard provisions (34-18.3-8)
- Severability: preserves remaining provisions if any part is struck down.
3) Amendments to notices in eviction context (34-18-56, as amended)
- Requires notices (five-day demand for nonpayment; notice of noncompliance; notice of termination) to inform tenants that they may be entitled to legal representation through a designated organization and how to contact the Division of Civil Representation.
- Includes model language for eviction pleadings and summons to reflect the right to legal representation.
Effective date
- The act takes effect upon passage.
Affected parties and impact
Timeline and procedural notes
Notes
- The bill emphasizes evidence-based aims (e.g., potential long-term savings from reduced homelessness) and sets up a framework for statewide coordination among tenants, nonprofits, and the judiciary. It is introduced in March 2026 and, as of the latest action, was recommended for further study by the committee.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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