The bill amends several sections of the General Laws in Chapter 45-24, which governs zoning ordinances, by introducing new definitions and provisions related to "co-living housing." A key addition is the definition of "co-living housing," which describes a specific residential development with units that provide independently rented and lockable living and sleeping spaces for exclusive use by an occupant, while requiring the occupant to share sanitary and/or food preparation facilities with other units. The bill stipulates that existing dwelling units cannot be converted into co-living housing unless authorized by a local zoning ordinance.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for authorizing community living options such as co-living housing in areas serviced by transit and other services. It recognizes "co-living housing" as a permitted use in adaptive reuse developments, provided it meets applicable building and fire code requirements.

The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, aiming to enhance zoning regulations to better accommodate diverse housing options within communities.