TITLE 42
State Affairs and Government
CHAPTER 42-128
Rhode Island Housing Resources Act of 1998
SECTION 42-128-8
§ 42-128-8 Powers and duties.
In order to provide housing opportunities for all Rhode Islanders, to maintain
the quality of housing in Rhode Island, and to coordinate and make effective
the housing responsibilities of the agencies and subdivisions of the state, the
commission shall have the following powers and duties:
(1) Policy, planning and coordination of state housing
functions. The commission shall have the power and duty:
(i) To prepare and adopt the state's plans for housing;
provided, however, that this provision shall not be interpreted to contravene
the prerogative of the state planning council to adopt a state guide plan for
housing.
(ii) To prepare, adopt, and issue the state's housing policy.
(iii) To conduct research on and make reports regarding
housing issues in the state.
(iv) To advise the governor and general assembly on housing
issues and to coordinate housing activities among government agencies and
agencies created by state law or providing housing services under government
programs.
(2) Establish, implement, and monitor state performance
measures and guidelines for housing programs. The commission shall have the
power and the duty:
(i) To promulgate performance measures and guidelines for
housing programs conducted under state law.
(ii) To monitor and evaluate housing responsibilities
established by state law, and to establish a process for annual reporting on
the outcomes of the programs and investments of the state in housing for low
and moderate income people.
(iii) To hear and resolve disputes pertaining to housing
issues.
(3) Administer the programs pertaining to housing
resources that may be assigned by state law. The commission shall have the
power and duty to administer programs for housing, housing services, and
community development, including, but not limited to, programs pertaining to:
(i) Abandoned properties and the remediation of blighting
conditions.
(ii) Lead abatement and to manage a lead hazard abatement
program in cooperation with the Rhode Island housing and mortgage finance
corporation.
(iii) Services for the homeless.
(iv) Rental assistance.
(v) Community development.
(vi) Outreach, education and technical assistance services.
(vii) Assistance, including financial support, to non-profit
organizations and community development corporations.
(viii) Tax credits that assist in the provision of housing or
foster community development or that result in support to non-profit
organizations performing functions to accomplish the purposes of this chapter.
(ix) The Supportive Services Program, the purpose of which is
to help prevent and end homelessness among those who have experienced long-term
homelessness and for whom certain services in addition to housing are
essential. State funding for this program may leverage other resources for the
purpose of providing supportive services. Services provided pursuant to this
subsection may include, but not be limited to: assistance with budgeting and
paying rent; access to employment; encouraging tenant involvement in facility
management and policies; medication monitoring and management; daily living
skills related to food, housekeeping and socialization; counseling to support
self-identified goals; referrals to mainstream health, mental health and
treatment programs; and conflict resolution.
History of Section.
(P.L. 1998, ch. 31, art. 29, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 354, § 1; P.L. 2008,
ch. 376, § 1.)
