The proposed bill, titled the "Fair Chance in Housing Act," aims to amend Title 34 of the General Laws concerning property by establishing new regulations on how housing providers can use criminal records and credit history in the rental application process. Under this act, housing providers are prohibited from inquiring about an applicant's criminal record before issuing a conditional offer. They may only consider certain criminal offenses that occurred within the last ten years and must not evaluate applicants based on arrests or charges that did not result in a conviction, expunged convictions, or juvenile adjudications.

Additionally, housing providers are required to provide written notification to applicants if a conditional offer is withdrawn, detailing the reasons for the withdrawal and informing them of their rights to file a complaint with the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights. The act also includes provisions to prevent discriminatory advertising by housing providers and prohibits them from requiring drug or alcohol testing, except as mandated by federal law.

It establishes civil penalties for violations, with fines escalating for repeated offenses, and empowers the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights to enforce compliance. Furthermore, if credit history is used as a criterion for rental applications, landlords must limit their consideration to the past three years and provide written notice of denial to applicants, stating the reason for denial. This legislation is designed to promote fair housing practices and protect the rights of individuals with criminal records or poor credit history.