2014 -- H 7818

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2014

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND HOUSING

RESOURCES ACT OF 1998

     Introduced By: Representative Frank G.Ferri

     Date Introduced: March 04, 2014

     Referred To: House Finance

     (by request)

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 42-128-8 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-128 entitled "Rhode

Island Housing Resources Act of 1998" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     42-128-8. Powers and duties. -- In order to provide housing opportunities for all Rhode

Islanders, to maintain the quality of housing in Rhode Island, and to coordinate and make

effective the housing responsibilities of the agencies and subdivisions of the state, the

commission shall have the following powers and duties:

      (1) Policy, planning and coordination of state housing functions. - The commission shall

have the power and duty:

      (i) To prepare and adopt the state's plans for housing; provided, however, that this

provision shall not be interpreted to contravene the prerogative of the state planning council to

adopt a state guide plan for housing.

      (ii) To prepare, adopt, and issue the state's housing policy.

      (iii) To conduct research on and make reports regarding housing issues in the state.

      (iv) To advise the governor and general assembly on housing issues and to coordinate

housing activities among government agencies and agencies created by state law or providing

housing services under government programs.

      (2) Establish, implement, and monitor state performance measures and guidelines for

housing programs. - The commission shall have the power and the duty:

      (i) To promulgate performance measures and guidelines for housing programs conducted

under state law.

      (ii) To monitor and evaluate housing responsibilities established by state law, and to

establish a process for annual reporting on the outcomes of the programs and investments of the

state in housing for low and moderate income people.

      (iii) To hear and resolve disputes pertaining to housing issues.

      (3) Administer the programs pertaining to housing resources that may be assigned by

state law. - The commission shall have the power and duty to administer programs for housing,

housing services, and community development, including, but not limited to, programs pertaining

to:

      (i) Abandoned properties and the remediation of blighting conditions.

      (ii) Lead abatement and to manage a lead hazard abatement program in cooperation with

the Rhode Island housing and mortgage finance corporation.

      (iii) Services for the homeless.

      (iv) Rental assistance.

      (v) Community development.

      (vi) Outreach, education and technical assistance services.

      (vii) Assistance, including financial support, to non-profit organizations and community

development corporations.

      (viii) Tax credits that assist in the provision of housing or foster community development

or that result in support to non-profit organizations performing functions to accomplish the

purposes of this chapter.

      (ix) The Supportive Services Program, the purpose of which is to help prevent and end

homelessness among those who have experienced long-term homelessness and for whom certain

services in addition to housing are essential. State funding for this program may leverage other

resources for the purpose of providing supportive services. Services provided pursuant to this

subsection may include, but not be limited to: assistance with budgeting and paying rent; access

to employment; encouraging tenant involvement in facility management and policies; medication

monitoring and management; daily living skills related to food, housekeeping and socialization;

counseling to support self-identified goals; referrals to mainstream health, mental health and

treatment programs; and conflict resolution.

     (x) The neighborhood opportunities program, the purpose of which shall be to address the

housing and revitalization needs of the state's deteriorating neighborhoods. The neighborhood

opportunities program shall provide financial assistance to implement the following three (3)

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components:

     (A) The family affordable housing program, the purpose of which shall be to produce an

additional supply of housing units at rents affordable to families working at or near minimum

wage. State funding will leverage other resources for the production of housing, to create mixed

income housing, and to revitalize neighborhoods through the rehabilitation of existing

substandard units.

     (B) The permanent supportive housing program, the purpose of which shall be to produce

additional housing for individuals with disabilities to be coupled with services and case

management to stabilize homeless individuals in permanent housing at affordable rents for

persons receiving Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI).

     (C) The neighborhood revitalization program, the purpose of which shall be to provide

grants to local communities for renovation, demolition, and homeownership opportunities in

neighborhoods designated for revitalization.

     SECTION 2. At the general election to be held on the Tuesday next after the first

Monday in November 2014, there shall be submitted to the people for their approval or rejection

the following proposition:

     "Shall the action of the general assembly, by an act passed by the January 2014 session

authorizing the issuance of bonds, refunding bonds, and temporary notes of the State of Rhode

Island in the amount of seventy-five million dollars ($75,000,000) to provide funds to the housing

resources commission to be allocated to finance the cost of the neighborhood opportunities

program be approved, and the issuance of such bonds, refunding bonds, and temporary notes in

accordance with the act be authorized?"

     SECTION 3. Sections 2 and 3 of this act shall take effect upon passage. The remainder of

this act shall take effect upon the approval of the act by a majority of those voting on the question

at the general election specified in Section 2.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND HOUSING

RESOURCES ACT OF 1998

***

     This act would create the Neighborhood Opportunities Program, and would reference a

referendum at the general election in November 2014 on a proposition to issue seventy-five

million dollars ($75,000,000) in bonds to fund that program.

     Sections 2 and 3 of this act would take effect upon passage. The remainder of this act

would take effect upon the approval of the act by a majority of those voting on the question at the

general election specified in Section 2

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