The proposed bill, titled "The Development Review Efficiency Act," aims to enhance the efficiency of the development review process in Rhode Island by allowing property owners or their contractors to engage licensed or certified third-party professionals, referred to as independent providers, to review development documents and conduct building inspections. The act establishes specific definitions, qualifications, and requirements for these independent providers, including the necessity for professional liability insurance and the prohibition of any ownership stake between the fee owner and the independent provider.

Additionally, the act mandates that regulatory authorities reduce fees based on cost savings realized from the use of independent providers and establishes a framework for timely approvals of development documents and building permits. It stipulates that regulatory authorities must respond to development document submissions within ten business days; if no response is provided within this timeframe, the documents will be deemed approved.

The bill also includes provisions for appeals regarding decisions made by regulatory authorities, ensuring that applicants have recourse if they believe their documents or permits have been improperly rejected. The act emphasizes the importance of public safety while streamlining the development process and is set to take effect sixty days after passage.