House passes Noret legislation on Section 8 housing vouchers to help alleviate state’s housing crisis

STATE HOUSE –— The House of Representatives yesterday passed legislation introduced by Rep. Thomas E. Noret (D-Dist. 25, Coventry, West Warwick) that helps address the state’s housing crisis.

The bill (2022-H 7946) would require the Rhode Island Housing Corporation to maintain records on the number of Section 8 Housing Choice vouchers which are received and utilized by each municipality, housing authority, and agency. Rhode Island Housing would then report on its website the dollar amount received by public housing agencies for administering the Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers program, which assists very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market.

“This is a simple, common-sense step in achieving our goal of providing more affordable housing in the state, “ said Representative Noret. “I cannot overstate the importance of having accurate data to make informed decisions on housing law and policy, and reach our goal of providing affordable housing for all Rhode Islanders.”

The legislation is part of a package of bills that aim to streamline development, provide more complete and timely information about housing and help municipalities meet their affordable housing goals.

The measure now moves to the Senate for consideration.