S.2972

Creates the division of civil representation within the department of housing and require civil representation by a Designated Legal Organization to provide legal representation to all tenants who qualify in eviction proceedings.

Introduced·3/4/26
Introduced Text

Establishes the Division of Civil Representation within the Rhode Island Department of Housing to provide legal representation to tenants in eviction.

This bill creates the Division of Civil Representation within the Rhode Island Department of Housing. The Division will provide legal representation to tenants who qualify in eviction proceedings. It mandates that designated legal organizations offer legal services to eligible individuals, including filing notices of appearance, preparing pleadings, and attending court hearings. The bill also requires notices of a tenant's right to legal representation to be included in all residential landlord/tenant complaint forms, and voids any lease provisions attempting to waive this right.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
Judiciary Committee
Next
Session adjourned — paused until it reconvenes

Sponsors

DDDDDD
6
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

Senate Committee on Judiciary: Be held for further study

10 Yea

DDDDRDDDDD

0 Nay

1 Absent

R

Calendar

Apr 28

12:00 AM

Senate Judiciary Hearing

History

Apr 28

Senate

Committee recommended measure be held for further study

Apr 24

Senate

Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/28/2026)

Mar 4

Senate

Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary