The bill amends Chapter 42-64.34 of the General Laws to establish a voluntary "Rhode Island housing champion designation" program for qualifying municipalities. Under this program, municipalities can apply to receive the designation, which grants them preferential access to state resources, including discretionary state funds. The Department of Housing is responsible for developing the program, which will include a scoring system to evaluate applications based on specific qualifications.

Qualifications for the designation include the adoption of land use regulations and ordinances that promote housing development consistent with the State Guide Plan, training for planning and zoning board members using materials provided by the department, and planning or implementation of infrastructure improvements such as sewer, water, sidewalks, and bike lanes that support housing development. Additionally, municipalities may adopt financial tools that incentivize housing development.

Municipalities that receive the designation are required to report annually on measures determined by the department, including land use board applications, approvals, and building permits. The designation is valid for three years, with the option for municipalities to seek renewal based on performance metrics. The Department of Housing must also produce an annual report assessing the program's impact, including the number of housing units produced as a result of the program, which will be submitted to the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the president of the senate, and made publicly available online. The act will take effect upon passage.