Rhode Island Passes "Homeless Bill of Rights"

Law becomes the first in U.S. history.

The state of Rhode Island is on the verge of making history when they sign into law the first "Homeless Bill of Rights" in the United States.

The law, which will be signed into law next week, will ban discrimination against homeless people affirming their equal access to jobs, housing and services, according to Reuters.

The legislation bucks a national trend among municipalities toward outlawing behaviors associated with homelessness such as eating, sleeping and panhandling in public spaces.

The Rhode Island law would also guarantee homeless people the right to use public sidewalks, parks and transportation as well as public buildings, like anyone else "without discrimination on the basis of his or her housing status."

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"I think we've set the bar high in the U.S. for homeless people, and I'm very proud of that," said Senator John Tassoni, a sponsor of the bill.

Rhode Island is the smallest of the 50 U.S. states.