2014 -- S 2230

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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 PROPERTY -- IMMIGRATION STATUS

     

     Introduced By: Senators Metts, and Pichardo

     Date Introduced: January 30, 2014

     Referred To: Senate Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 34-18 of the General Laws entitled "Residential Landlord and

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Tenant Act" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

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     34-18-58. Inquiries regarding immigration status. – (a) No landlord or any agent of

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the landlord shall:

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     (1) Make any inquiry regarding or based on the immigration or citizenship status of a

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tenant, prospective tenant, occupant, or prospective occupant of residential rental property; or

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     (2) Require that any tenant, prospective tenant, occupant, or prospective occupant of the

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rental property make any statement, representation, or certification concerning his or her

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immigration or citizenship status.

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     (b) No municipality or housing agency shall compel a landlord or any agent of the

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landlord to make any inquiry, compile, disclose, report, or provide any information, prohibit

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offering or continuing to offer, accommodations in the property for rent or lease, or otherwise

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take any action regarding or based on the immigration or citizenship status of a tenant,

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prospective tenant, occupant or prospective occupant of residential rental property.

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     (c) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a landlord from:

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     (1) Complying with any legal obligation under federal law; or

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     (2) Requesting information or documentation necessary to determine or verify the

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financial qualifications of a prospective tenant, or to determine or verify the identity of a

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prospective tenant or prospective occupant.

 

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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 PROPERTY -- IMMIGRATION STATUS

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     This act would prohibit a landlord from asking about the immigration status of a

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prospective tenant.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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