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

     

     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:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 42-128 of the General Laws entitled "Rhode Island Housing and

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Resources Act of 1998" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

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     42-128-18. Universal design principals.

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     (a) Effective January 1, 2025, in addition to any current accessibility requirements for low-

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and moderate-income housing, as contained 24 CFR Part 100, in Subpart D, all new construction

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for low- and moderate-income housing pursuant to this chapter shall be constructed using the

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universal design principals contained in this section.

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     (b) Universal design principals required by this section shall include, but not be limited to:

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     (1) Uniform accessibility. All low- and moderate-income housing units shall be accessible

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to individuals with disabilities who may require the use of a wheelchair and the units shall include:

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     (A) Ramps;

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     (B) Elevators when necessary;

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     (C) Wheelchair accessible entrances and exits throughout the housing unit; and

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     (D) Signage appropriate to help individuals with disabilities navigate movement

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throughout the housing unit.

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     (2) Inclusivity. Incorporate spaces within the housing unit that provide for the needs of

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persons with sensory, cognitive, or mobility impairments, children, senior citizens, and other

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vulnerable populations.

 

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     (3) Adaptability. Incorporate spaces within the housing unit that can be easily modified or

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adapted to meet changing needs which shall include, but not be limited to, flexible room layouts

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and adjustable fixtures.

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     (4) Safety. Incorporate safety features within the housing unit including, but not limited to,

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handrails, non-slip surfaces, and emergency exits.

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     (5) Wayfinding. Incorporate wayfinding systems within the housing unit building to assist

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individuals in navigating buildings independently.

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     (c) Compliance and enforcement approval:

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     (1) Developers shall submit project plans and construction proposals that clearly

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demonstrate compliance with universal design principles to the relevant local building authorities

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for approval.

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     (2) Local building authorities shall be responsible for reviewing and approving

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construction plans based on their adherence to universal design principles.

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     (3) Developers found to be in violation of this section may be subject to penalties, fines or

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other appropriate enforcement actions as determined by state or local authorities.

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     (d) The Rhode Island housing resources agency:

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     (1) Shall develop and implement public awareness campaigns and educational programs to

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promote the understanding and adoption of universal design principles within the state.

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     (2) Promulgate rules and regulation to implement the provisions of this section.

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     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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     This act would incorporate universal design principals into new construction of low- and

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moderate-income housing to provide greater accessibility for persons with disabilities.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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