Signed by Governor Dan McKee

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes changes to the Housing and Conservation Trust Fund, including increased board members, new grant rules, and reformed funding allocations for housing and conservation projects in Rhode Island.

Highlights:

• Establishes the “Rhode Island Housing and Conservation Board” that shall consist of (Sec. 1):

• Four non-voting ex-officio members that include the director of the Department of Environmental Management, the secretary of the Department of Housing, the executive director of the Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation, and the director of the Office of Statewide Planning; and

• 11 voting members of the general public whom the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate, shall appoint.

• Requires that within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year, the board shall approve and submit an annual report to the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, and the secretary of state of its activities during that fiscal year, which shall include (Sec. 1):

• An operating statement summarizing meetings or hearings held, meeting minutes if requested, subjects addressed, decisions rendered, and rules or regulations promulgated;

• Studies conducted, policies and plans developed, approved, or modified, and programs administered or initiated; 

• A consolidated financial statement of all funds received and expended, including the source of the funds, a listing of any staff supported by these funds, and a summary of any clerical, administrative, or technical support received;

• A summary of performance during the previous fiscal year, including accomplishments, shortcomings, and remedies; 

• A synopsis of hearings, complaints, suspensions, or other legal matters related to the authority of the board; 

• A summary of any training courses held;  

• A briefing on anticipated activities in the upcoming fiscal year; and 

• Findings and recommendations for improvements. 

• Establishes a special account distributed by the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank and administered by the Housing and Conservation Board to be known as the “Rhode Island Housing and Conservation Trust Fund” (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that this bill takes effect upon passage (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text