The bill amends sections 45-53-3 and 45-53-4 of the General Laws concerning "Low and Moderate Income Housing." It introduces new language specifying that, in calculating a municipality's progress towards meeting applicable low- and moderate-income housing thresholds, affordable housing units shall be counted upon the issuance of a building permit for that unit.

Additionally, the bill restores provisions regarding the required findings for denial of comprehensive permit applications. A local review board may deny an application only upon making written findings, supported by legally competent evidence on the record, that one or more specified conditions exist, including inconsistencies with an approved affordable housing plan, local needs, or the comprehensive plan, as well as significant negative impacts on health or safety that cannot be adequately mitigated.

The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.