The bill amends Section 42-63.1-14 of the General Laws concerning tourism and development, specifically addressing the rental of residential units for tourist or transient use. It prohibits cities, towns, or municipalities from enacting any licensing, permitting, zoning, ordinance, rule, or regulation that would prevent property owners from offering or renting their units for tourist or transient use through hosting platforms or any other means, provided that these platforms comply with applicable sales and hotel tax regulations. The bill establishes that any municipal actions that directly or indirectly prohibit or ban an owner of a residential unit from renting the unit for tourist or transient use are null and void and preempted. It asserts the legislative intent to occupy the field regarding residential units for tourist or transient use, emphasizing the importance of tourism to the statewide economy.

The act takes effect upon passage and applies retroactively and prospectively to all municipal actions denying owners the ability to rent their properties for tourist or transient use.

Statutes affected:
851: 42-63.1-14