Rhode Island H8281: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES (Allows the town of Smithfield to determine its density bonuses based u

What the bill says

From the introduced text, March 11, 2026:

2026 -- H 8281 ======== LC005948 ======== STATEOFRHODEISLAND IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026 ____________ ANACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES Introduced By: Representatives Costantino, and Santucci Date Introduced: March 11, 2026 Referred To: House Municipal Government & Housing It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows: SECTION 1. Section 45-24-46.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-24 entitled "Zoning Ordinances" is hereby amended to read as follows: 45-24-46.1. Inclusionary zoning. (a) A zoning ordinance requiring the inclusion of affordable housing as part of a development shall provide that the housing will be affordable housing, as defined in § 42-1288.1(d)(1); that the affordable housing will constitute not less than fifteen percent (15%) of the total units proposed for the development; and that the units will remain affordable for a period of not less than thirty (30) years from initial occupancy enforced through a land lease and/or deed restriction enforceable by the municipality and the state of Rhode Island. A zoning ordinance that requires the inclusion of affordable housing as part of a development shall specify the threshold in which the inclusion of affordable housing is required, but in no event shall a minimum threshold triggering the inclusion of affordable housing be higher than ten (10) dwelling units. The total number of units for the development …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Gregory Costantino (D) · primary sponsor
• Paul Santucci (R)

Latest actions

1. April 15, 2026: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
2. April 10, 2026: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
3. March 11, 2026: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing

Common questions

What is H8281?

H8281 is a bill in the Rhode Island Legislature (2026 Regular Session): AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES (Allows the town of Smithfield to determine its density bonuses based u.

What does H8281 do?

AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES (Allows the town of Smithfield to determine its density bonuses based upon its underlying zoning.)

What is the status of H8281?

Failed as of April 15, 2026. Latest action: Committee recommended measure be held for further study (April 15, 2026).

Who sponsored H8281?

Gregory Costantino (D), with 1 co-sponsor.

Where is the official record for H8281?

On the Rhode Island Legislature website: http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8281.pdf