Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H8385

Introduced
4/1/26  

Caption

Allows sealing of eviction records for defective complaint or lack of jurisdiction for individuals between the ages of eighteen (18) and twenty-one (21) who didn't sign the lease.

Impact

If passed, H8385 will amend the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act by introducing provisions that facilitate the sealing of eviction records. This change is significant as it provides a mechanism for individuals, particularly young people, to have their eviction records sealed if they are not responsible for the lease. By doing so, it aims to reduce the barriers young adults face in securing future housing, thus fostering a more equitable housing situation for affected individuals.

Summary

House Bill 8385 addresses the sealing of eviction records specifically for individuals aged between eighteen and twenty-one who did not sign a lease. The bill aims to protect young adults and minors involved in eviction proceedings by allowing courts to seal records under certain circumstances, such as defective complaints or lack of jurisdiction. This legislation seeks to provide a legal remedy for those who may have faced unjust evictions and ensure that their records do not carry negative long-term implications for housing opportunities.

Contention

While the bill may be welcomed by advocates for tenant rights and housing equity, concerns could arise regarding the implications for landlords and property management. Opponents might argue that sealing eviction records could impede landlords' ability to make informed decisions about prospective tenants. Thus, the bill may lead to debates on balancing tenant rights with the rights of property owners to manage their rental properties effectively.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6378

Provides for the sealing of eviction records under certain circumstances.

RI H6110

Removes the 5 year waiting period to seal court records where a civil action was dismissed, or there was a lack of prosecution, or the matter resolved and the terms of the resolution satisfied, removes the limit of 1 request to seal records every 5 years.

RI S0511

Removes the five (5) year waiting period for filing a motion to seal an eviction court file. It also deletes the numerical limitation on filing seal requests.

RI H5439

Mandates that the clerk of the district court, upon request of the defendant, automatically seal individual counts of criminal complaints upon dismissal pursuant to rule 48(a) of the rules of criminal procedure for district court.

RI S0910

Mandates that the clerk of the district court, upon request of the defendant, automatically seal individual counts of criminal complaints upon dismissal pursuant to rule 48(a) of the rules of criminal procedure for district court.

RI H5427

Includes the COVID-19 immunization under the consent and reporting provisions required for pharmacy administered immunizations to individuals between nine (9) and eighteen (18) years of age.

RI S0699

Includes the COVID-19 immunization under the consent and reporting provisions required for pharmacy administered immunizations to individuals between nine (9) and eighteen (18) years of age.

RI H5129

Provides for a residency requirement of at least six (6) months rather than one year for the Rhode Island family court to have jurisdiction over a divorce complaint.

RI S0287

Provides for a residency requirement of at least six (6) months rather than one year for the Rhode Island family court to have jurisdiction over a divorce complaint.

RI H5260

Extends the voluntary extension of care (VEC) program pursuant to ยง 14-1-6 to children in the juvenile justice system and children who attain reunification prior to their eighteenth (18th) birthday, however, the reunification is not successful.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.