The bill amends Chapter 45-53 of the General Laws regarding "Low and Moderate Income Housing" by introducing a new section, 45-53-17, which allows faith-based organizations to submit a single application for a comprehensive permit to develop low- or moderate-income housing on land owned by a religious organization, association, or society, or a nonprofit organization operated, supervised, or controlled by such entities. This streamlined application process is available in a city or town regardless of whether the municipality has low- or moderate-income housing in excess of ten percent (10%) of its year-round housing units, provided that at least 50% of the housing developed meets the low- or moderate-income criteria and the land is owned or held in trust by the faith-based organization at the time of application.

Additionally, the bill permits applicants to request adjustments for ancillary uses that support the mission of the faith-based organization, including childcare, educational, and community service facilities, or small-scale commercial uses not exceeding two thousand (2,000) square feet of gross floor area.

The bill outlines specific procedural elements for the application process, including the option for master plan review prior to preliminary plan submission and stipulations that applications under this section are not subject to certain public hearing requirements. It emphasizes that the provisions do not limit or override existing historical preservation laws and ensures compliance with federal and state fair housing laws for any housing units developed. The act is set to take effect upon passage.