The bill amends the Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act to enhance protections against discrimination in housing. It inserts language that prohibits owners or agents involved in housing transactions from inquiring about an applicant's incarceration history or discriminating based on prior incarceration when selling, renting, leasing, or advertising housing accommodations. Additionally, the bill forbids discrimination in providing financial assistance for housing based on various protected characteristics, including race, color, religion, sex, and now also prior incarceration and victim status of domestic abuse. It allows for inquiries about an applicant's age to ensure they are over eighteen and to confirm the lawful source of income for meeting nondiscriminatory standards.

The legislation also addresses the rights of individuals with disabilities, mandating reasonable accommodations and modifications to premises, and sets guidelines for new housing to be accessible. It states that it is unlawful to refuse reasonable accommodations for occupants with disabilities and that those with personal assistive animals must be granted access without extra charges, though they are responsible for any damages caused by the animals. The bill ensures that compliance with state building code accessibility requirements meets the adaptive design features for new dwellings. It also prohibits aiding in discriminatory practices and protects individuals from discrimination for opposing such practices or participating in related investigations or proceedings. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage, emphasizing the prohibition of inquiries into an applicant's prior incarceration history by landlords.

Statutes affected:
5103: 34-37-4