The proposed bill amends the existing homeless bill of rights to enhance protections for individuals experiencing homelessness. It establishes that no person's rights or access to public services may be denied based solely on their housing status, ensuring they have the same rights as other residents. Key provisions include the right to access trash receptacles and toilet facilities to maintain clean and sanitary conditions, and the right to privacy in temporary housing, including tents.

Additionally, the bill outlines enforcement mechanisms, allowing an aggrieved individual or any organization chartered for safeguarding civil liberties or combatting homelessness to bring a civil action in the superior court for violations of the chapter. The court may award appropriate damages, attorney fees, and fines, with fines for intentional violations set at $2,500 per violation. All collected fines will be directed to the Rhode Island Department of Housing for housing stabilization services or to address other issues related to homelessness.

The bill mandates that all police and public works departments adopt written policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the requirements of this chapter, making these policies publicly available. These policies must recognize the reasonable expectation of privacy that a homeless person has in their tent, prohibiting unreasonable searches.

Furthermore, prior to any enforcement action to relocate or vacate persons occupying an encampment on public property, at least sixty (60) days' notice to vacate must be provided in writing, stating the basis and authority for the action and informing individuals how to retrieve their personal property left at the encampment. Reasonable alternatives for relocation must be made available in collaboration with outreach workers before any enforcement action is conducted. Any personal property found onsite, except to address health or safety hazards, must be maintained by the enforcement agency for at least thirty (30) days after the enforcement action has been completed.

This act will take effect upon passage.