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HB 6215

AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jay Edwards and 1 co-sponsor

In Tiverton, if affordable housing is under 10%, any new approved project must allocate 50% of units as affordable until the town meets statewide requirements.

06/04/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HB 6215

Summary — HB 6215

Title: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES — LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING
Bill number: HB 6215
Primary subject: Tiverton affordable housing requirement (addition to R.I. Gen. Laws chapter 45-53)
Status (latest): 06/04/2025 — Committee recommended measure be held for further study

Purpose / Intent

The bill authorizes the town of Tiverton to require a substantially higher share of affordable housing in new development projects when the town’s existing stock of affordable housing is below a statutorily defined threshold. The intent is to accelerate creation of low- and moderate-income housing in Tiverton until the town meets the statewide (chapter 45-53) affordable housing requirement.

Key provisions

  • Adds section 45-53-17 to Rhode Island General Laws (chapter 45-53).
  • Trigger condition: when Tiverton has less than 10% affordable housing as defined under § 45-53-3.1.
  • Requirement: any developer in Tiverton subject to an approved plan, permit, or project must ensure that at least 50% of the units/dwellings in that project are affordable housing units.
  • Duration: the 50% requirement stays in effect for new projects “until there exists full compliance with affordable housing requirements of chapter 53 of title 45” (i.e., until Tiverton reaches the required percentage).
  • Effective date: upon passage.

Who is affected

  • Developers and builders proposing new residential projects, subdivisions, or permits in the town of Tiverton.
  • Prospective residents: potential increase in availability of affordable units in Tiverton.
  • Tiverton municipal permitting and planning authorities (responsible for applying/enforcing the requirement).
  • Potentially town fiscal and housing programs (if additional subsidies or administrative oversight are needed).

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Immediate increase in mandated affordable-unit production for new projects while the town remains below the 10% threshold.
  • Effects on project feasibility: requiring 50% of units to be affordable could change financing structures, rents/sales pricing, density, or developer interest; may prompt use of subsidies, tax credits, or higher density to preserve viability.
  • Market-rate housing supply could be reduced in the short term for projects subject to the mandate.
  • Enforcement will rely on local permitting approvals (the bill applies to any “approved plan, permit or project”).
  • Legal/administrative questions: how “affordable housing” is measured under § 45-53-3.1, and how compliance is calculated and certified by the town.
  • Fiscal impacts: possible need for municipal oversight; developers may seek state or federal funding to meet affordability obligations.

Legislative timeline / actions

  • Introduced in the Rhode Island House: April 9, 2025; referred to House Municipal Government & Housing.
  • Scheduled for hearing/consideration May 30, 2025 (hearing on 06/04/2025).
  • 06/04/2025 — Committee recommended the measure be held for further study (no passage).

Notes: The bill text references Rhode Island chapter 45-53 definitions (notably § 45-53-3.1) for “affordable housing.” The measure is geographically limited to Tiverton and is effective upon enactment if passed.

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

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