| 2/7/2013 |
DiPalma bill would allow service members swift exit from auto, apartment leases
STATE HOUSE – Sen. Louis DiPalma has introduced legislation that would help active members of the armed forces, the National Guard or the reserves exit automobile and housing leases when they are moved to a different station or deployed.
The legislation (2013-S 0042) would allow a service member who is moved to a different base or is deployed for a period of more than 180 days to unilaterally terminate a motor vehicle lease by providing a copy of his or her order or a letter signed by his or her commanding officer and returning the vehicle.
With the same documentation, a service member who is moved or deployed for more than 90 days would be able to terminate a housing rental agreement, effective 30 days after the lessee provides the notice.
“In practical terms, service members and members of the National Guard or Reserves need a way to leave a lease on little notice, since they are so often called up to action without much warning, or are moved from one base to another. But this is more than just a practical matter. As the men and women who defend our country, they deserve special consideration and they and their families should not be put at financial risk as a direct result of their service to our nation,” said Senator DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton.)
Senator DiPalma introduced the legislation at the request of Capt. Douglas Mikatarian, the Commanding Officer at Naval Station Newport, who asked for it to protect service members from financial difficulties when they are moved or deployed.
“This is all about taking care of our young service members who, through no fault of their own, could be faced with paying up to two months’ rent on a home or apartment in which they no longer live. We are not talking about service members who simply choose to switch apartments, these are men and women, many of whom live paycheck to paycheck, who are being ordered to move in support of our nation’s defense,” said Captain Mikatarian.
Senator DiPalma introduced the bill Jan. 16, and it was assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which held a hearing on it Tuesday. It is cosponsored by Senate Special Legislation and Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Water S. Felag Jr. (D-Dist. 10, Warren, Bristol, Tiverton), Sen. Christopher Scott Ottiano (R-Dist. 11, Portsmouth, Bristol), Sen. Juan M. Pichardo (D-Dist. 2, Providence) and Sen. Adam J. Satchell (D-Dist. 9, West Warwick).
House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Raymond E. Gallison Jr. (D-Dist. 69, Bristol, Portsmouth) has introduced the bill (2013-H 5165) in the House. Cosponsors in the House include Rep. Samuel A. Azzinaro (D-Dist. 37, Westerly), Rep. Mary Duffy Messier (D-Dist. 62, Pawtucket), Rep. Kenneth A. Marshall (D-Dist. 68, Bristol, Warren) and Rep. Deborah A. Fellela (D-Dist. 43, Johnston).
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2457 |
LEGISLATIVE INFO
