House Judiciary Committee to hear bills aimed at fighting housing crisis

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The House Judiciary Committee is set to hear testimony Tuesday on a series of bills intended to fight the housing crisis in Rhode Island.

Earlier this month, House Speaker Joe Shekarchi introduced a 14-bill package that would create more affordable housing that’s “so desperately needed in Rhode Island.”

Three of the 14 bills will be heard Tuesday.

Shekarchi said these packages will speed up development in communities in need.

The three bills up for consideration include one that prohibits a fee to be paid for a rental application. A second would extend reporting dates for studies on land use, development, and housing. The third bill would allow for more time to study the Low and Moderate Income Housing Act.

These bills are the latest in ongoing efforts to combat the housing crisis in Rhode Island, having passed 17 prior to this proposal.

Hearings are expected to continue on the full slate of bills presented by the speaker before they can go to the full House for consideration.