The proposed bill, known as the Restoring Options in Occupancy Models (ROOM) Act, aims to expand access to inherently affordable housing in Rhode Island by re-legalizing co-living and single-room occupancy (SRO) models. The legislation addresses the historical decline of SROs due to exclusionary zoning, outdated building codes, and discriminatory occupancy rules that have limited the development or conversion of properties into co-living spaces.

Key provisions of the bill include:

- Defining co-living properties and occupancy agreements, which allow for the creation of multiple sleeping units within a single property that share kitchen and bathroom facilities.
- Mandating that municipalities allow co-living properties as a permitted use by right in areas zoned for single-family, multi-family, commercial, or mixed-use, without the need for discretionary reviews, special use permits, or conditional use permits.
- Establishing that sleeping units within co-living properties will be treated as one-quarter (1/4) of a dwelling unit for density calculations, thereby allowing for greater density in these properties.
- Prohibiting municipalities from imposing more restrictive design or operational standards on co-living properties compared to other residential uses, including requirements for off-street parking if located within one-half (1/2) mile of a transit station.
- Ensuring that existing co-living properties can continue to operate despite any conflicting local regulations, and that municipalities must adopt or amend their regulations to comply with the act by January 1, 2027.

The act is set to take effect upon passage, with the intention of restoring choice in housing options and increasing the availability of affordable housing in the state.