Requires that any new residential construction shall have a minimum of two means of egress consisting of standard exterior doors.

RI Bill Summary: Two-Door Requirement for New Homes

This bill would require all newly built homes in Rhode Island to have at least two standard exterior doors that can be used as exits. Currently, some new residential construction may only include one main exterior door, but this legislation would make two full-sized exterior doors a minimum requirement under the state's building code.

The primary purpose of this bill is safety. Having more than one way to exit a home can be critical in emergencies like fires, where one exit might be blocked by flames or smoke. By requiring two standard exterior doors — as opposed to windows, sliding glass doors, or other types of openings — the bill aims to ensure that residents have a reliable backup escape route in dangerous situations.

This bill would affect home builders, developers, and contractors working on new residential construction projects throughout Rhode Island. Homebuyers purchasing newly built homes would also be affected, as the requirement could influence home design and potentially construction costs. It's worth noting that the bill applies only to new construction, meaning existing homeowners would not need to make any changes to their current homes.

The bill has been introduced in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and referred to the House Municipal Government & Housing Committee, where it is scheduled for a hearing. It has not yet been passed into law.