H  O  U  S  E     R  E  S  O  L  U  T  I  O  N

TO SUPPORT THE NARRAGANSETT BAY COMMISSION IN ADOPTING AN ALTERNATIVE PLAN TO ADDRESS THE CONCERN OF DISPROPORTIONATE LIEN SALES IN POOR AND MINORITY NEIGHBORHOODS IN OUR INNER CITIES

WHEREAS, Community advocates, legislators and city council members are concerned that the Narragansett Bay Commission's selection of a majority of homes in poor and minority neighborhoods for lien sales is detrimental to our inner cities; and

WHEREAS, A disproportionate number of minority and low-income residents in Rhode Island's inner cities have lost their homes to the Narragansett Bay Commission due to their current policy of lien sales; and

WHEREAS, Records from 1995 to 1999 reveal that the homes selected for lien sales by the Narragansett Bay Commission were located in poor and minority neighborhoods in Providence, Pawtucket and Central Falls, and in come cases were under $750.00; now therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island supports the Narragansett Bay Commission in adopting an alternative plan, such as water shut-off in the event of seriously delinquent bills in lieu of lien sales, and informing delinquent homeowners that by not paying their fees they risk having a lien placed on their property that would prevent them from closing on the sale of property until debts have been paid; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives also encourages and supports the Narragansett Bay Commission to institute on-going informational and outreach activities in various languages, including a counseling program to be held at nonprofit community agencies on how to interpret sewer bills, and how to make payment arrangements; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Narragansett Bay Commission.