The bill amends sections 45-53-3 and 45-53-4 of the General Laws concerning "Low and Moderate Income Housing," introducing new definitions and processes for substantial multi-family housing projects, specifically those proposing to build over sixty units in municipalities with populations under 35,000. It requires applicants proposing such projects to seek a pre-application conference with the local review board and provide documentation that the project is consistent with local needs.

The bill establishes that any applicant proposing to build a substantial multi-family housing project must submit separate applications to the applicable local boards, which will hear testimony and make findings regarding the project's consistency with local needs. The pre-application conference aims to review a concept plan of the proposed development and elicit feedback from the reviewing board. Municipalities are required to schedule and hold the pre-application conference within thirty days of the applicant's request, unless a different timeframe is agreed upon in writing.

Additionally, the bill outlines a structured approval process for these housing projects, including requirements for documentation of consistency with local needs and criteria for determining significant negative impacts on local infrastructure, public school systems, and community health and safety. It differentiates between minor and major plan changes and mandates that all applications for substantial multi-family housing projects require final plan review and approval.

The act takes effect upon passage.