2024 -- S 2186 | |
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LC004282 | |
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND | |
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY | |
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024 | |
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A N A C T | |
RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND HOUSING | |
AND RESOURCES ACT OF 1998 | |
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Introduced By: Senators Gu, Kallman, Mack, Valverde, Sosnowski, and Ujifusa | |
Date Introduced: January 24, 2024 | |
Referred To: Senate Housing & Municipal Government | |
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows: | |
1 | SECTION 1. Chapter 42-128 of the General Laws entitled "Rhode Island Housing and |
2 | Resources Act of 1998" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section: |
3 | 42-128-18. Universal design principals. |
4 | (a) Effective January 1, 2025, in addition to any current accessibility requirements for low- |
5 | and moderate-income housing, as contained 24 CFR Part 100, in Subpart D, all new construction |
6 | for low- and moderate-income housing pursuant to this chapter shall be constructed using the |
7 | universal design principals contained in this section. |
8 | (b) Universal design principals required by this section shall include, but not be limited to: |
9 | (1) Uniform accessibility. All low- and moderate-income housing units shall be accessible |
10 | to individuals with disabilities who may require the use of a wheelchair and the units shall include: |
11 | (A) Ramps; |
12 | (B) Elevators when necessary; |
13 | (C) Wheelchair accessible entrances and exits throughout the housing unit; and |
14 | (D) Signage appropriate to help individuals with disabilities navigate movement |
15 | throughout the housing unit. |
16 | (2) Inclusivity. Incorporate spaces within the housing unit that provide for the needs of |
17 | persons with sensory, cognitive, or mobility impairments, children, senior citizens, and other |
18 | vulnerable populations. |
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1 | (3) Adaptability. Incorporate spaces within the housing unit that can be easily modified or |
2 | adapted to meet changing needs which shall include, but not be limited to, flexible room layouts |
3 | and adjustable fixtures. |
4 | (4) Safety. Incorporate safety features within the housing unit including, but not limited to, |
5 | handrails, non-slip surfaces, and emergency exits. |
6 | (5) Wayfinding. Incorporate wayfinding systems within the housing unit building to assist |
7 | individuals in navigating buildings independently. |
8 | (c) Compliance and enforcement approval: |
9 | (1) Developers shall submit project plans and construction proposals that clearly |
10 | demonstrate compliance with universal design principles to the relevant local building authorities |
11 | for approval. |
12 | (2) Local building authorities shall be responsible for reviewing and approving |
13 | construction plans based on their adherence to universal design principles. |
14 | (3) Developers found to be in violation of this section may be subject to penalties, fines or |
15 | other appropriate enforcement actions as determined by state or local authorities. |
16 | (d) The Rhode Island housing resources agency: |
17 | (1) Shall develop and implement public awareness campaigns and educational programs to |
18 | promote the understanding and adoption of universal design principles within the state. |
19 | (2) Promulgate rules and regulation to implement the provisions of this section. |
20 | 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 HOUSING | |
AND RESOURCES ACT OF 1998 | |
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1 | This act would incorporate universal design principals into new construction of low- and |
2 | moderate-income housing to provide greater accessibility for persons with disabilities. |
3 | This act would take effect upon passage. |
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