RI House passes homeless bill of rights
PROVIDENCE, R.I.—The Rhode Island House has approved legislation to prevent discrimination against homeless people.
House lawmakers passed the so-called homeless bill of rights Tuesday night by a vote of 60-5. The Senate was expected to pass the bill as well.
The measure would prohibit police, healthcare workers, landlords or employers from treating homeless people unfairly because of their housing status.
Homeless advocate John Joyce says the bill of rights will combat the discrimination faced by homeless people every day.
The proposal was revised slightly after some lawmakers worried that it could burden local governments and police departments.
While some discrimination against the homeless is already prohibited, no state has passed such comprehensive legislation.
