The bill amends Chapter 45-24 of the General Laws by adding a new section titled "Recovery houses." It 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 mandates that any law, regulation, or ordinance regulating the zoning and use of a NARR-certified recovery residence must treat it as a residential use of property, granting it the same rights and responsibilities as other residential properties.

Additionally, the bill prohibits any city or town from enacting zoning ordinances that impose restrictions, prohibitions, or other provisions on NARR-certified recovery residences that are not applicable to other residential homes. It specifically states that these residences cannot be designated as commercial structures under fire and building codes, ensuring they are subject only to the Rhode Island life safety code. The act will take effect upon passage.