The bill seeks to amend the Rhode Island Housing Resources Act of 1998, now to be called the "Comprehensive Housing Production and Rehabilitation Act of 2004," to address the need for a comprehensive housing strategy. It emphasizes the importance of creative funding, innovative planning, and the removal of barriers to housing development. The bill mandates the creation of a five-year strategic housing plan by July 1, 2006, which will include quantified goals and measurable steps for housing production and rehabilitation. It expands the definition of "affordable housing" to include manufactured housing, accessory dwelling units, and housing accepting rental vouchers, and acknowledges that New Shoreham has met its low- and moderate-income housing goal. The bill introduces new definitions and guidelines for "adjustments," "affordable housing plan," and "approved affordable housing plan," and clarifies the term "consistent with local needs" in relation to zoning and land use ordinances. It expands the definition of "low- or moderate-income housing" to include any type of housing that meets certain criteria. The bill also details how mobile and manufactured homes can count towards a municipality's affordable housing requirements and establishes the role of "monitoring agents" for compliance oversight. The act will take effect upon passage, with new provisions becoming effective on January 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
2993  as amended: 42-128-8.1, 45-53-3
2993: 42-128-8.1, 45-53-3