Addresses any single-family construction, townhouse construction, and multi-family construction complying with the Standards for Visitable Units of the ANSI' Standards for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.

Rhode Island Inclusive Home Design Act – Plain English Summary

This bill would require newly built homes in Rhode Island — including single-family houses, townhouses, and multi-family buildings — to meet specific accessibility standards known as "visitable unit" standards. These standards come from a nationally recognized set of guidelines called the ANSI Standards for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. In practical terms, "visitability" typically means that a home has at least one step-free entrance, doorways wide enough for a wheelchair, and a bathroom on the main floor that someone with a mobility limitation could use.

The goal of the bill is to make new homes more usable for people with physical disabilities, seniors, and anyone who might have difficulty navigating steps or narrow spaces. It would also make homes more welcoming for visitors who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids. By building these features into new construction from the start, the cost is generally much lower than retrofitting an existing home later.

This bill would affect home builders, developers, and construction companies operating in Rhode Island, as they would need to incorporate these accessibility features into new projects to comply with the state building code. It would also affect future homebuyers and renters, particularly older adults and people with disabilities, who would have more housing options that meet their physical needs. The bill has been referred to the Senate Housing and Municipal Government Committee and is scheduled for a hearing in April 2026.