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3/5/2025
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Chairwoman McEntee introduces bill to allow for co-housing options
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Legislation is part of Speaker Shekarchi’s 2025 12-bill housing package
STATE HOUSE – House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Carol Hagan McEntee has introduced legislation (2025-H 5797) that would enable municipalities to allow for the use of co-housing arrangements as energy-efficient, low-cost housing options. The developments would be similar to dorms, in which there are common spaces, amenities and facilities, but residents would have separate private bedrooms.
The legislation is part of House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi’s (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) 12-bill package of legislation regarding housing issues, his fifth comprehensive suite of housing bills since becoming Speaker in 2021.
“Far too many hard-working residents of this state are struggling to provide safe and proper housing for themselves and their families. This bill will allow municipalities to take a look at a different type of housing that has proved quite successful in other parts of the country. While this might not be the right type of housing for everyone, it could work for many others who might not be able to afford, or want, a full housing unit of their own,” said Chairwoman McEntee (D-Dist. 33, South Kingstown, Narragansett).
The legislation would add a definition for “co-living housing” to the zoning ordinance provisions of the General Laws and would include such housing as a special provision to be included in a zoning ordinance. The act would take effect on January 1, 2026, and has been referred to the House Municipal Government and Housing Committee.
This housing model has been adopted by other states as a cost-effective option to address the housing crisis.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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