2023 -- H 5689

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LC001748

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT--

IMMIGRATION STATUS

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Giraldo, Morales, Henries, Stewart, Alzate, Cruz, and
Potter

     Date Introduced: February 17, 2023

     Referred To: House 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 Tenant

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

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     34-18-58. Inquiries regarding immigration status.

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     (a) No landlord or any agent of 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 their immigration

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or citizenship status.

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

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

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continuing to offer accommodations in the property for rent or lease, or otherwise take any action

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regarding or based on the immigration or citizenship status of a tenant, prospective tenant, occupant

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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 financial

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

 

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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 -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT--

IMMIGRATION STATUS

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

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prospective tenant, occupant, or prospective occupant of residential rental property, subject to any

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federal laws or regulations, but would allow a landlord to request information or documentation

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necessary to determine or verify the financial qualifications of a prospective tenant or to determine

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or verify the identity of a prospective tenant.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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