This bill amends current law related to low and moderate-income housing. It updates and adds definitions to clarify and align with current practices and guidelines. The bill also changes the language from "may" to "shall" to require that assistance be provided for low- or moderate-income housing. It specifies that assistance can include direct financial support, tax abatement, fee waivers, and approval of density bonuses and subsidies. The bill establishes a procedure for the approval of construction of low- or moderate-income housing, allowing applicants to submit a single application for a comprehensive permit. It also outlines specific zoning incentives and prohibits municipalities from restricting comprehensive permit applications and permits through local ordinances or policies.

Overall, this bill aims to streamline the review process for comprehensive permit applications and provide clearer guidelines for applicants and local review boards. It also strengthens the requirements for approving low- and moderate-income housing developments, including positive findings on various provisions and the ability to deny permits for certain reasons. The bill also addresses the review process for final plans, including the timeframe for review and the ability to make changes to approved plans. It grants the local review board the power to issue permits and imposes a moratorium on the use of comprehensive permit applications by private for-profit developers until January 31, 2005.