The "Community Impact and Opportunity Assessment Act" aims to enhance local government decision-making regarding zoning, land use, and housing development in South Carolina. The bill introduces a new section, 6-29-970, which defines key terms such as "Community Impact Assessment" and "impact populations," and mandates that local governments conduct these assessments before approving any significant land use changes or developments. The assessments are designed to evaluate the potential effects on existing residents, public services, and access to opportunities, particularly for vulnerable populations such as low-to-moderate-income residents, seniors, and long-term residents of underserved communities.

Additionally, the bill requires local governments to assign responsibility for conducting these assessments to their planning or community development departments, ensuring that trained staff or qualified professionals carry out the evaluations. It emphasizes the importance of transparency and community engagement by mandating that assessments be published online, included in public meeting agendas, and presented at public hearings. Local governments are also encouraged to notify affected residents, facilitate public comment, and document feedback. The South Carolina Department of Commerce is tasked with developing best practices and providing technical assistance to support local governments in implementing these assessments.