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HR 6427

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CREATION OF A STATEWIDE WHOLE-HOME REPAIRS PROGRAM

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Blazejewski and 2 co-sponsors

Creates a 10-member commission to study and recommend a statewide whole-home repairs program for low-income homeowners and small multifamily buildings, coordinating energy programs.

06/18/2025 House read and passed
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 6427

Summary of Rhode Island House Resolution HR 6427

Purpose and Intent

  • Establish a special legislative commission to study and provide recommendations for creating a statewide whole-home repairs program.
  • Aims to coordinate existing resources to help low-income homeowners and small multifamily properties (fewer than 6 units) repair and upgrade homes to be safe, energy-efficient, and eligible for energy programs (e.g., weatherization, utility energy efficiency programs).

Key Provisions

  • Commission Creation and Scope

    • Creates a 10-member special legislative commission.
    • Task: conduct a comprehensive study and develop recommendations for a statewide whole-home repairs program.
    • Focus areas include roofing, siding, windows, electrical, heating, air conditioning, and upgrades to enhance energy efficiency.
    • Would draw on and coordinate with existing programs (Weatherization Assistance Program, utility energy efficiency programs, lead abatement programs, adaptive modification programs).

  • Membership and Appointments

    • 3 Rhode Island House members (no more than 2 from the same party) appointed by the Speaker.
    • Specific non-legislative appointments include:
    • President of the RI Builders Association (or designee)
    • Executive Director of Rhode Island Housing (or designee)
    • President of the Housing Network of Rhode Island (or designee)
    • Director of the Office of Energy Resources (or designee)
    • Director of Healthy Aging (or designee)
    • Director of the Comprehensive Community Action Program (or designee)
    • CEO of the Providence Revolving Fund (or designee)
    • May appoint a member of the general public in lieu of a legislator if desired.
    • Vacancies filled in the same manner as original appointments.
    • Members receive no compensation.

  • Procedural Provisions

    • The Speaker of the House will preside over meetings and provide suitable meeting quarters.
    • The commission may request and receive information and assistance from state departments and agencies as needed.

Timeline and Reporting

  • Reporting Deadline: Findings and recommendations due to the House on or before January 5, 2026.
  • Expiration: The commission expires on March 5, 2026.
  • Meetings: To be convened by the Speaker at the call of the Speaker; chair to be selected by the commission.

Context and Potential Impact

  • Addresses Rhode Island’s housing stock challenges, aging homes, and affordability by proposing a coordinated, statewide program integrating multiple funding streams and programs.
  • This resolution does not by itself create funding or a program; instead, it enables a study and set of recommendations, which could inform future legislation or budget decisions.
  • Expected impact if a statewide program is pursued: better access to home repairs for low-income homeowners and small multifamily property owners; potential improvements in safety, energy efficiency, and long-term housing affordability.

Status

  • Introduced and referred as of June 18, 2025; subsequently read and passed by the House on June 18, 2025.

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

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