Rhode Island · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 8141: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL TENANT'S RIGHT TO LEGAL REPRESENTATION ACT
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 8141 is a bill introduced in the Rhode Island House on February 27, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL TENANT'S RIGHT TO LEGAL REPRESENTATION ACT. Primary sponsor: Jennifer Stewart (Democratic), Mary Ann Shallcross-Smith (Democratic), Rebecca Kislak (Democratic), Edith Ajello (Democratic), Arthur Handy (Democratic), Susan Donovan (Democratic), Michelle McGaw (Democratic), Brandon Potter (Democratic), Teresa Tanzi (Democratic), Cherie Cruz (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (March 18, 2026): 03/18/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Creates the division of civil representation within the department of housing and require civil representation by a Designated Legal Organization to provide legal representation to all tenants who qualify in eviction proceedings.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 10
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jennifer Stewart | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 59 |
| Mary Ann Shallcross-Smith | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 46 |
| Rebecca Kislak | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 4 |
| Edith Ajello | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 1 |
| Arthur Handy | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 18 |
| Susan Donovan | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 69 |
| Michelle McGaw | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 71 |
| Brandon Potter | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 16 |
| Teresa Tanzi | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 34 |
| Cherie Cruz | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 58 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- 03/18/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
- 03/13/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/18/2026)
- 02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Judiciary