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SB 2289

AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RHODE ISLAND FAIR HOUSING PRACTICES ACT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Frank Ciccone and 3 co-sponsors

Rhode Island SB 2289 would strengthen and clarify protections against housing discrimination, detailing enforcement, remedies, and operator obligations in housing.

04/28/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 2289

Summary of SB 2289 (Rhode Island) – 2026

Title

AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY – RHODE ISLAND FAIR HOUSING PRACTICES ACT

Purpose and intent

SB 2289 proposes amendments to Rhode Island’s Fair Housing Practices Act within the context of property-related issues. The exact text of the bill is not provided here, but the bill’s title and committee/timeline actions indicate an effort to modify or clarify provisions related to fair housing practices, enforcement, and remedies in relation to housing and property transactions.

Key provisions (as typically addressed by “Fair Housing Practices Act” updates)

While the specific statutory language is not provided in the summary, bills of this nature commonly address:
- Prohibition of housing discrimination on protected characteristics (e.g., race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or other state-specific protected classes).
- Requirements for landlords, property managers, and sellers to comply with fair housing laws.
- Procedures for filing complaints with the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights or equivalent enforcement body.
- Enforcement mechanisms, including investigations, conciliation, civil penalties, and potential damages.
- Clarifications of what constitutes discrimination in housing-related practices (advertising, terms, conditions, preferences, financing, accessibility, and reasonable accommodations).
- Affirmative obligations or protections for individuals asserting fair housing rights (e.g., duty to provide reasonable accommodations for disabilities, or to eliminate barriers to accessibility).
- Possible updates to timelines for complaint filing, investigation, or enforcement actions.
- Remedies, including injunctive relief, damages, and attorney’s fees where applicable.

Note: The exact substantive changes would be found in the bill’s text. The summary below reflects typical scope of “Fair Housing Practices Act” amendments and the bill’s title.

Who would be affected

  • Landlords, property owners, landlords’ agents, and property managers operating in Rhode Island.
  • Real estate brokers, lenders, and housing providers involved in rental or sale of housing.
  • Individuals seeking housing who may allege discrimination based on protected characteristics.
  • Housing developers and sellers who engage in advertising or listing practices.
  • Employers or entities involved in housing-related services where applicable (as defined by the statute).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: January 23, 2026, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
  • Hearing/consideration schedule: The bill was scheduled for hearing/consideration around April 28, 2026.
  • Committee action: As of April 28, 2026, the Judiciary Committee recommended the measure be held for further study, indicating no immediate passage and a request for more time to analyze and refine the bill before potential floor action.
  • Next steps: If amended, the bill would need to be re-referred as appropriate, pass in one chamber, and then be transmitted to the other chamber for a companion or identical bill, followed by potential conference or final passage and signature, depending on Rhode Island’s legislative process.

Additional notes

  • The bill lists four co-sponsors: David Tikoian, Lou DiPalma, Hanna Gallo, and Frank Ciccone, signaling bipartisan or cross-district support for reviewing fair housing provisions.
  • The held-for-study action suggests further review of potential impacts, implementation challenges, enforcement resources, and any fiscal implications.

Potential impact (high level)

  • Strengthened or clarified protections against housing discrimination.
  • Enhanced enforcement framework and accessible remedies for victims of housing discrimination.
  • Potential changes to compliance obligations for landlords, real estate professionals, and housing providers.
  • Possible revisions to complaint timelines, investigation procedures, and penalties.

For a precise understanding, please refer to the full text of SB 2289 to identify the exact amendments, definitions, and procedural language being proposed.

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

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