The bill proposes amendments to the Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act, focusing on expanding protections against housing discrimination. It introduces "housing status" as a protected category, ensuring that individuals are not discriminated against based on their living situation, such as being homeless or living in a shelter. The bill also refines the definition of "lawful source of income" to include various public and rental assistance programs. It prohibits discrimination and inquiries based on a range of protected categories, including race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, country of ancestral origin, disability, age, familial status, and domestic abuse victim status. The bill also updates the language regarding assistance animals, aligning it with the federal Fair Housing Act, and clarifies that individuals with disabilities can make reasonable modifications to their premises.

The bill outlines the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights' procedures for handling discrimination complaints, including informal resolution methods and formal proceedings if necessary. It details the commission's powers to order corrective actions, award damages, and impose civil penalties up to $50,000 for repeated discriminatory practices. The bill restricts publicity of proceedings before a hearing and allows complainants to seek the right to sue in state court. It also removes an unconstitutional provision that prohibited public discussion of fair housing cases. The bill specifies the process for seeking injunctive relief, transferring cases to superior court, and the potential for punitive damages and attorneys' fees. The act will take effect upon passage.