The bill amends Chapter 45-24 of the General Laws by adding a new section titled "Recovery houses." This section defines a NARR-certified recovery residence as a residential structure that provides recovery support services for individuals recovering from substance use addiction and complies with standards established by the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR). The bill stipulates that any laws, regulations, or ordinances regulating the zoning and use of these recovery residences must treat them as a residential use of property, granting them the same rights and responsibilities as other residential properties.

Furthermore, the bill prohibits imposing any restrictions, prohibitions, or other provisions on recovery residences that are not contained in the Rhode Island life safety code, ensuring that they are not designated as commercial structures under fire and building codes. This legislation aims to provide clear guidelines for the treatment of residential recovery houses within zoning ordinances. The act will take effect upon passage.