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, who may be the same individuals. The municipal court will have original jurisdiction to hear cases involving violations of city ordinances, including zoning ordinances and minimum housing standards.

The newly established housing division will have original jurisdiction over various housing-related violations, including violations of the zoning ordinances, the historical area zoning act, minimum housing standards, housing maintenance and occupancy codes, and the state building code, among others. The housing division is empowered to impose fines not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500), administer oaths, compel the attendance of witnesses, and punish contempt, but it cannot impose jail sentences.

Additionally, the housing division will have the authority to take equitable actions to enforce compliance with housing regulations, such as restraining or correcting violations, ordering repairs, vacation, or demolition of non-compliant dwellings, and ordering a dwelling into receivership. Any party aggrieved by a final judgment, decree, or order of the Cranston housing division may appeal to the superior court within twenty (20) days for a trial de novo. The bill is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7083: 45-2-21
7083  SUB A: 45-2-21