Housing & Infrastructure

This legislation makes technical and procedural changes to Rhode Island’s zoning and land development laws, including updates to how local planning boards review subdivisions, development proposals, and comprehensive plans. It clarifies administrative processes, public notice requirements, and approval procedures, and allows greater flexibility for certain housing-related developments.

This legislation would create a one-time tax credit for property owners who connect residential properties to municipal sewer systems. The bill is intended to offset infrastructure costs for homeowners.

This legislation would require implementation of electronic permitting systems for state and local approvals to streamline development processes. The bill is intended to improve efficiency and reduce delays in construction and housing projects.

Sen. McKenney proposed legislation that would require one of the seven (7) directors of the Rhode Island airport corporation be appointed by the mayor of the city of Warwick.  If passed, this legislation would give Warwick a direct voice in the decision making process on matters related to the airport. 

Sen. McKenney supported the introduction of a bill, that would later pass in the 2021 session, that made it illegal for landlords to refuse to rent to, or to discriminate against, individuals based on their lawful source of income. “With this legislation, Rhode Island is finally recognizing that refusing to rent to people with housing vouchers is discrimination, a pretext for keeping certain people out of certain areas. At this time, when our state is struggling with a housing crisis made worse by the pandemic, I am pleased that we are finally ending this practice. Income discrimination is unjust; it is a roadblock that hurts families, contributes to housing insecurity, and perpetuates poverty. Ensuring that voucher recipients can rent any apartment they can afford will allow more people to rent safe housing and contribute to the stability that all families need and deserve,” said Sen. Meghan E. Kallman (D-Dist. 15)