2021 -- S 0158 SUBSTITUTE A

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LC001177/SUB A

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND LIVABLE

HOME MODIFICATION ACT

     Introduced By: Senators Felag, Gallo, Murray, Raptakis, and Lombardo

     Date Introduced: February 05, 2021

     Referred To: Senate Finance

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 42-51 of the General Laws entitled "Governor's Commission on

Disabilities" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     42-51-13. Livable home modification program.

     (a) There is hereby established the livable home modification program for home

modification and accessibility enhancements to construct, retrofit and/or renovate residences to

allow individuals with significant disabilities to remain in community settings.

     (b) Any eligible resident who retrofits or hires an individual to retrofit an existing

residence; provided that, such retrofitting meets the qualification criteria and guidelines as

established by the commission, shall be eligible for a livable home modification grant of fifty

percent (50%) of the total amount spent, not to exceed an amount annually appropriated by the

commission in accordance with § 35-3-24.

     (c) The commission is authorized and directed to issue regulations regarding:

     (1) Income eligibility and other qualifications for a grant;

     (2) Application guidelines;

     (3) The maximum reimbursement;

     (4) Filing claims for reimbursement; and

     (5) Appeal procedures for applicants who are determined to be ineligible.

     (d) By August 15 of each year, the commission shall submit an annual report to the

governor, speaker of the house of representatives, president of the senate and chairpersons of the

house and senate finance committees for the period from July 1 to June 30 on the actual:

     (1) Number of grants issued to qualifying individuals;

     (2) Number of applications which did not qualify;

     (3) Total dollar amount of grants issued;

     (4) Average dollar amount of the grants issued;

     (5) Number of retrofits by accessibility features; and

     (6) Prognosis for the individual if the retrofit had not been made which shall determine:

     (i) Increased likelihood of falls and other related emergency room, hospital and/or

rehabilitation expenses;

     (ii) Loss of independence; and

     (iii) Move into a long-term care facility.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND LIVABLE

HOME MODIFICATION ACT

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     This act would establish the livable home modification program for home modification and

accessibility enhancements to construct, retrofit and/or renovate residences to allow individuals

with significant disabilities to remain in community settings, and qualify them for a grant of fifty

percent (50%) of the total cost.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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