The proposed bill, known as the "Faith-Based Affordable Housing Development Act," aims to address the housing shortage in Rhode Island by allowing faith-based organizations to develop affordable and mixed-use housing on properties they own or control as a by-right use. The legislation seeks to reduce regulatory barriers and promote community-focused development by establishing clear and objective standards for project approvals.

Key definitions included in the bill are "affordable housing," which refers to housing units restricted to households earning no more than eighty percent (80%) of the area median income; "mixed-use development," which combines residential and ancillary uses; and "ministerial review," which emphasizes a non-discretionary approval process based solely on objective standards without public hearings.

The bill outlines eligibility criteria for projects, including that they must be owned or controlled by a faith-based organization and located in zones permitting residential or commercial uses. It preempts local ordinances that conflict with its provisions, prohibiting municipalities from imposing discretionary reviews, special permits, or additional fees beyond those applicable to comparable by-right developments.

Development incentives are established, allowing projects a base density of thirty (30) dwelling units per acre, with the possibility of increased density and height allowances for projects that meet certain criteria, such as including active ground floor ancillary uses or a significant number of two-bedroom units. The bill mandates a streamlined review process, requiring decisions to be issued within fifteen (15) days of a complete application and final approvals within sixty (60) business days.

Environmental and safety requirements are included, such as compliance with floodplain standards and submission of geotechnical analyses for projects on steep slopes. Certain sites, including those near industrial uses and environmentally protected lands, are exempt from the provisions of the act. The Rhode Island housing and mortgage finance corporation is designated to monitor compliance and may refer violations to the attorney general for enforcement. The act is set to take effect upon passage.