The bill amends the Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act by adding new definitions and expanding protections against discrimination in housing. It introduces the terms "assistance animal" and "service animal," with the former being any animal determined by a health professional to mitigate the effects of a disability, and the latter being a dog trained to assist a person with a disability, excluding animals that solely provide emotional support. The bill also revises the definition of "housing status" by removing the phrase "having or," focusing on the status of not having a fixed residence. It prohibits inquiries and discrimination based on housing status and other protected characteristics, such as race, color, religion, sex, and disability, in housing practices. The bill allows for reasonable modifications for individuals with disabilities and updates the language regarding service animals, removing the proof of training requirement.

The bill also outlines the powers and procedures of a commission responsible for preventing unlawful housing practices, emphasizing informal resolution methods before formal proceedings. It allows the commission to conduct preliminary investigations, issue complaints, and hold hearings, with the ability to impose civil penalties up to $50,000 for multiple offenses. The bill includes provisions for the commission to issue orders to cease unlawful practices and take affirmative action, while considering good faith efforts as mitigating factors. It also specifies the process for complainants to sue in state court and the commission's power to file for injunctive relief, with the state liable for costs and damages if it fails to prosecute. The bill includes insertions and deletions, such as the deletion of language that previously restricted publicity of proceedings before the commission, and will take effect upon passage.