Prohibits landlords from inquiring about an applicant's prior incarceration and from discriminating against those who have been released from prison.

# Summary of Rhode Island Fair Housing Bill

This bill would change Rhode Island's Fair Housing Practices Act to make it illegal for landlords to ask rental applicants about whether they have previously been incarcerated. It would also prohibit landlords from refusing to rent to someone, or otherwise discriminating against them, based on the fact that they were formerly in prison.

The bill primarily affects two groups of people. For individuals who have been released from prison and are trying to find housing, it would remove a significant barrier they often face when applying to rent a home or apartment. Landlords and property managers would no longer be allowed to use a person's incarceration history as a reason to deny them housing. This is similar to existing fair housing protections that already prevent discrimination based on factors like race, religion, disability, or familial status.

The bill has been introduced in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. The committee has recommended that the measure be held for further study, with a hearing scheduled for March 2026. If eventually passed, it would add formerly incarcerated status as a protected category under the state's fair housing law, meaning landlords who violate the rule could face the same types of legal consequences that apply to other forms of housing discrimination.