This bill amends current law regarding the approval process for low- and moderate-income housing construction. It allows applicants to submit a single application for a comprehensive permit instead of separate applications to local boards. The bill also outlines the required findings for approving an application and allows for appeals of local review board decisions to the superior court. Additionally, the bill imposes a moratorium on the use of comprehensive permit applications by private for-profit developers and requires towns and cities to prepare a comprehensive plan housing element for low- and moderate-income housing.

The bill also establishes a sunset provision for appeals to the state housing appeals board, with existing appeals pending before the board continuing to be heard and decided until December 31, 2023. The bill also outlines the process for appealing a decision of a local review board to the superior court, including the timeline for filing the appeal and the review standards for the court. The bill transfers all pending matters before the state housing appeals board to the superior court. Additionally, the bill replaces certain provisions of the General Laws with new sections and establishes a housing appeals board consisting of nine voting members and three alternates.