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, and is empowered to enact ordinances governing their operations.

The housing division will specifically address violations related to zoning ordinances, minimum housing standards, and other related regulations. It will have original jurisdiction to hear and determine causes involving violations of the city's zoning ordinances, historical area zoning act, minimum housing standards, housing maintenance and occupancy code, subdivision of land, and various state building codes. The housing division is authorized to impose fines not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500), administer oaths, compel the attendance of witnesses, and punish persons for contempt, but it will not have the power to impose jail sentences.

Additionally, the housing division can take equitable actions to enforce compliance with housing laws, 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 Cranston housing division may appeal to the superior court for a trial de novo within twenty days of the entry of the judgment, decree, or order. This act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2401: 45-2-21
2401  SUB A: 45-2-21
2401  SUB A as amended: 45-2-21