The bill amends Sections 45-23-53 and 45-24-53 of the General Laws concerning the public hearing and notice requirements for local regulations and zoning ordinances. The key change is the reduction of the newspaper advertising notice period from three weeks to two weeks prior to the public hearing. This applies to both the city or town planning board and the city or town council, ensuring that notices are published in a local newspaper at least once each week for the new two-week period.

The bill does not include provisions for posting notices in the town or city clerk's office, another municipal building, or on the municipality's website, nor does it establish a public notice registry for electronic notifications regarding changes to local regulations or zoning ordinances. Additionally, it does not specify that the costs of newspaper notices and mailings will be borne by the applicant or clarify that any defects in the notice form will not invalidate the regulations unless found to be intentional or misleading.

Overall, the act aims to streamline the notification process while maintaining transparency and public participation in local governance.

Statutes affected:
8037: 45-23-53, 45-24-53