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HR 7301

HOUSE RESOLUTION REINSTATING THE LIFE OF AND EXTENDING THE REPORTING AND EXPIRATION DATES OF THE SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO REVIEW AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POLICIES THAT DEAL WITH NUMEROUS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL SHORT-TERM RENTALS ISSUES

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lauren Carson

Rhode Island extends a special commission studying short-term rental economic and social impacts to continue developing policy recommendations before legislative action.

02/06/2026 Placed on House Calendar (02/11/2026)
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Bill Summary · HR 7301

Legislative bill overview

HR 7301 extends and reinstates a special legislative commission in Rhode Island that was previously established to study and recommend policies addressing economic and social issues related to short-term rentals (like Airbnb and VRBO). The bill keeps the commission active beyond its original expiration date and allows it to continue its review work and policy recommendations.

Why is this important

Short-term rental platforms have created significant tensions in many communities over housing affordability, neighborhood disruption, and tax compliance. By continuing this commission, Rhode Island maintains a formal mechanism for examining these competing interests—balancing property owner rights, housing availability, community quality of life, and local government revenue—before legislating solutions.

Potential points of contention

  • Housing vs. property rights: Stricter STR regulations could reduce housing supply and owner income, while permitting unregulated STRs may worsen affordable housing shortages and neighborhood stability
  • Local control vs. state authority: Communities may want autonomy to set their own STR policies while the state commission might recommend uniform statewide standards
  • Commission scope and timeline: Questions about whether extended study represents productive analysis or unnecessary delay in addressing urgent housing and quality-of-life problems residents are already experiencing

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

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