Rhode IslandCertified recovery homes count as residential property under zoning rules
Rhode Island law gives recovery homes meeting National Alliance for Recovery Residences standards the same residential property rights and responsibilities, unless other state law provides otherwise.
What it does
Certified recovery homes receive the same rights and responsibilities as other residential property under zoning and property-use rules. Exceptions elsewhere in state law still apply.
Unless other state law provides otherwise, certified recovery homes cannot face restrictions beyond the cited life safety rule or count as commercial buildings for building or fire codes.
Argument forTreating certified recovery homes like other homes could help people recovering from addiction find housing by limiting special zoning barriers.
Argument againstLimiting restrictions to the cited safety rule could prevent officials from requiring extra safeguards at recovery homes, unless another state law allows them.
More detail
Zoning and property-use rules must give covered recovery homes the rights and responsibilities of residential property. Covered homes provide support for people recovering from substance use addiction and meet standards set by the National Alliance for Recovery Residences. Exceptions elsewhere in state law still apply. The residential-treatment requirement takes effect upon passage.
Officials cannot impose restrictions beyond the cited life safety rule or classify covered recovery homes as commercial buildings for building or fire codes. The limits cover rules governing zoning and property use for recovery homes that meet National Alliance for Recovery Residences standards. Exceptions elsewhere in state law still apply. The cited safety rule is Rhode Island life safety code section 26.1.1.1.8.3. These limits take effect upon passage.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 1906/19/2026 Signed by Governor Dan McKeeBecame Law
- Jun 1606/16/2026 Transmitted to GovernorTo Governor
- Jun 1106/11/2026 Senate passed Sub A as amended in concurrencePassed Senate
- Vote recorded AS AMENDED. Result: pass.Lower
- Vote recorded PASSAGE OF AMENDMENT. Result: pass.Lower
- Jun 1106/11/2026 Placed on Senate Calendar (06/11/2026)Minor
- Jun 1106/11/2026 House passed Sub A as amended (floor amendment)Passed House
- Jun 1006/10/2026 Placed on House Calendar (06/11/2026)Minor
- Jun 306/03/2026 Committee recommends passage of Sub AMinor
- May 2905/29/2026 Proposed SubstituteMajor
- May 2905/29/2026 Scheduled for consideration (06/03/2026)
- Mar 1703/17/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further studyMinor
- Mar 1303/13/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2026)
- Feb 2702/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & HousingIntroduced
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