Section 34-37.1-1. – Short title.

§ 34-37.1-1. Short title. This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Homeless Bill of Rights.” History of Section.P.L. 2012, ch. 316, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 356, § 1.

Section 34-37.1-2. – Legislative intent.

§ 34-37.1-2. Legislative intent. (1) At the present time, many persons have been rendered homeless as a result of economic hardship, a severe shortage of safe, affordable housing, and a shrinking social safety net. (2) Article 1, Section 2 of the Rhode Island State Constitution states in part, that “All free governments are instituted for […]

Section 34-37.1-3. – Bill of Rights.

§ 34-37.1-3. Bill of Rights. No person’s rights, privileges, or access to public services may be denied or abridged solely because he or she is homeless. Such a person shall be granted the same rights and privileges as any other resident of this state. A person experiencing homelessness: (1) Has the right to use and […]

Section 34-37.1-4. – Damages and attorney’s fees.

§ 34-37.1-4. Damages and attorney’s fees. In any civil action alleging a violation of this chapter, the court may award appropriate injunctive and declaratory relief, actual damages, and reasonable attorney’s fees and costs to a prevailing plaintiff. History of Section.P.L. 2012, ch. 316, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 356, § 1.

Section 34-37.1-5. – Definitions.

§ 34-37.1-5. Definitions. For purposes of this chapter, “housing status” shall have the same meaning as that contained in § 34-37-3. History of Section.P.L. 2012, ch. 316, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 356, § 1.

Section 34-37.1-6. – Homeless persons with service animals — Homeless shelters.

§ 34-37.1-6. Homeless persons with service animals — Homeless shelters. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit persons from entering a homeless shelter while in possession of a service animal as defined in the “Americans with Disabilities Act” (28 C.F.R. § 35.136) and the state and federal “fair housing acts.” History of Section.P.L. […]