AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- RHODE ISLAND COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING AND LAND USE ACT

SB 1093 allows Rhode Island state agencies to develop housing on state-owned vacant, abandoned, or underutilized land even if the project doesn't align with a municipality's current comprehensive plan or zoning rules. It requires state agencies to hold a public hearing and demonstrate the project meets housing needs (including low/moderate-income housing), aligns with state planning goals, minimizes deviation from local plans, and avoids negative environmental or infrastructure impacts. This applies specifically to state-owned land designated for housing, bypassing standard local approval processes after the hearing. The bill directly affects state agencies, municipalities, and housing developers seeking to use state land for new housing projects.