The "Rhode Island Inclusive Home Design Act" is a proposed addition to the state building code that requires new housing units to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. The bill specifically targets "covered dwelling units," which include various types of residences such as single-family homes, townhouses, and units in multi-unit buildings that are designed or constructed with federal, state, or local financial assistance and are available for occupancy after the act's effective date. These units must adhere to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standards for Type C (Visitable) Units. The bill outlines enforcement mechanisms, including the need for compliance assurance from applicants of financial assistance and the submission of plans to the building code standards committee for approval. The committee is also empowered to grant waivers under certain conditions.

The bill further details the legal consequences for non-compliance, including the withholding of final construction or occupancy approvals and the recovery of civil damages, which can be equivalent to the total amount of financial assistance received for the project. These damages are to be deposited into the state's general fund. It allows for civil actions to be brought by various parties, including aggrieved individuals, the attorney general, or any Rhode Island resident, within 20 years of a violation. The bill also addresses the liability of state or local agencies and developers, the relief that courts may grant, and the awarding of attorneys' fees to the prevailing party. It clarifies that the act does not supersede existing state laws with similar protections or limit constitutional rights or remedies. The act is set to be effective upon passage.