The bill amends Section 45-24-33 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-24, which pertains to zoning ordinances. It introduces new legal language that mandates zoning ordinances to include provisions for residential development in areas that encompass commercial districts. Specifically, the bill requires that these provisions ensure the integration of residential uses with commercial uses in mixed-use or village developments, allow residential units above commercial spaces, permit medium to high-density residential development in commercial zones, and establish flexible dimensional standards to promote such developments.

Additionally, the bill deletes the previous provision regarding the regulation of drive-through windows and replaces it with a new section that emphasizes the importance of residential development in commercial areas. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, allowing municipalities to adapt their zoning ordinances to comply with these new requirements.