§ 42-128-1. Findings. (a) Rhode Island has an older housing stock which contributes invaluably to community character, and in order to maintain the stability of neighborhoods and to sustain health communities, it is necessary to have programs for housing and community development and revitalization.

(b) Rhode Island has an active private sector that is engaged in supplying housing.

(c) Rhode Island has an active non-profit housing sector, which can, if provided adequate support, assist low and moderate income persons and works to improve conditions in neighborhoods and communities.

(d) Housing that is not adequately maintained is a source of blight in communities and a cause of public health problems. Public health and safety are impaired by poor housing conditions; poisoning from lead paint and respiratory disease (asthma) are significant housing related health problems in Rhode Island.

(e) There is an increasing need for supported living arrangements for the elderly and a continuing need for supported living arrangements for persons who are disabled and/or homeless.

(f) Fair housing, and the potential of unequal treatment of individuals based on race, ethnicity, age, disability, and family, must be given continuing attention.

(g) Housing costs consume a disproportionate share of income for many Rhode Islanders; housing affordability is a continuing problem, especially for first time home buyers and lower and moderate income renters; the high cost of housing adversely affects the expansion of Rhode Island's economy. Housing affordability and availability affect conditions of homelessness. The high cost of housing and the lack of affordable, decent housing for low income households is a source of hardship for very low income persons and families in Rhode Island.

(h) The Rhode Island housing and mortgage finance corporation, which has provided more than two decades of assistance in addressing issues of both the affordability of home ownership and rental housing and the preservation of the housing stock for low and moderate income persons, is facing future funding shortfalls and must either increase revenues or reduce programs in order to remain viable.

(i) The federal government has been reducing its commitment to housing since 1981, and there is no indication that earlier levels of federal support for housing will be restored.

(j) Public housing authorities, which rely on federal support that is being reconsidered, have been and continue to be an important housing resource for low income families and the elderly.

(k) Rhode Island, unlike most other states, does not have an agency or department of state government with comprehensive responsibility for housing.

(l) It is necessary and desirable in order to protect that public health and to promote the public welfare, to establish a housing resources agency and a housing resources commission for the purposes of improving housing conditions, promoting housing affordability, engaging in community development activities, and assisting the urban, suburban, and rural communities of the state.

History of Section. (P.L. 1998, ch. 31, art. 29, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 121; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 121; P.L. 2004, ch. 286, § 5; P.L. 2004, ch. 324, § 5.)