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6/24/2021 Senate passes Felag’s bill which codifies livable home modification program
STATE HOUSE — The Senate tonight passed Sen. Walter S. Felag Jr.’s (D-Dist. 10, Bristol, Tiverton, Warren) legislation which codifies into law the highly successful livable home modification program. 
The legislation (2021-S 0158A) would codify into law the livable home modification program for home modification and accessibility enhancements to construct, retrofit and/or renovate residences to allow individuals with significant disabilities to remain in community settings, and qualify them for a grant of 50 percent of the total cost.

The bill has also been included in the FY 2022 state budget.

“The elderly and disabled population in our state have specific needs within their homes that can unfortunately be extremely expensive for themselves and their caregivers.  This program will help alleviate the costs to keep our aging and disabled populations in their homes and communities while also saving the state’s taxpayers millions of dollars in nursing home Medicaid costs,” said Senator Felag.

The act is aimed at helping Rhode Island’s aging population stay safely in their homes longer rather than over burdening the state’s nursing homes.  With the state’s aging population rising each year, there is a distinct need for housing that is safe and adapted to the needs of the elderly. 

One of the keys for an individual with a disability to remain in their community is the ability to get into and out of their own home and navigate safely within that home, with or without assistance.
Renovating a residence by removing barriers allows the individual to stay safely and independently within their home, and out of long-term care facilities.

The legislation now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.



For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124