Restores the requirement that a local review board issue findings for denial in reviewing a comprehensive permit request and clarifies that affordable housing units shall be included in each town and city when the building permits for units are granted.

Plain-English Summary

This bill makes two changes to how Rhode Island towns and cities handle affordable housing developments. First, it restores a rule requiring local review boards to officially document their reasons — called "findings" — when they reject an application for a "comprehensive permit," which is a special type of permit used by affordable housing developers. This requirement had apparently been removed or weakened, and the bill would bring it back, meaning local boards can't simply deny affordable housing projects without clearly explaining why in writing.

Second, the bill clarifies exactly *when* affordable housing units get counted toward a town or city's affordable housing total. Under current state law, communities are expected to have at least 10% of their housing stock designated as affordable. This bill specifies that units should be counted once building permits are actually issued — not at some earlier or later point in the approval process — making the counting method more consistent and predictable across all communities.

The bill affects several groups: towns and cities would face clearer rules about documenting their decisions on affordable housing projects and tracking their housing numbers; affordable housing developers would benefit from greater transparency and accountability when their applications are denied; and low- and moderate-income residents seeking affordable housing could see more consistent enforcement of existing housing laws. The bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Housing and Municipal Government Committee, which has recommended holding it for further study.