The proposed bill, General Assembly Proposed Bill No. 6496, aims to facilitate the conversion of vacant motels into multifamily housing. It introduces a program of incentives, which will be administered by the Department of Housing, to encourage municipalities to allow these conversions as a matter of right. The bill stipulates that municipalities must permit the conversion of a motel to multifamily housing if the motel has been vacant for a specified period or if the property has been seized due to violations or is considered a nuisance due to neglect.

This legislation seeks to address housing shortages by repurposing underutilized properties while also providing a structured approach for municipalities to follow. The bill emphasizes the importance of transforming vacant motels into viable housing options, thereby enhancing community development and addressing issues related to neglected properties.