This bill amends Section 45-2-21 of the General Laws to authorize the city of Cranston to establish a municipal court and a housing division within that court. The city council of Cranston may appoint judges and clerks for both the municipal court and the housing division, which may be the same individuals. The housing division will have original jurisdiction to hear and determine cases involving violations of the city's zoning ordinances, minimum housing standards, housing maintenance and occupancy codes, and other related local ordinances and regulations.

The housing division is empowered to impose sentences not exceeding thirty (30) days in jail and fines not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500), or both. It can also administer oaths, compel the attendance of witnesses, and punish for contempt. Additionally, the housing division may take equitable actions to enforce compliance with housing regulations, including ordering repairs, vacation, or demolition of non-compliant dwellings, and may order a dwelling into receivership.

Any party aggrieved by a final judgment, decree, or order of the housing division may appeal to the superior court within twenty (20) days of the entry of the judgment, decree, or order, and is entitled to a trial de novo in the superior court. The bill is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7083: 45-2-21