Here's the press release & bill summary, although I find some of the summaries too vague to be helpful:
https://rilegislature.gov/pressrelease/_layouts/RIL.PressRelease.ListStructure/Forms/DisplayForm.aspx?List=c8baae31%2D3c10%2D431c%2D8dcd%2D9dbbe21ce3e9&ID=375110&Web=2bab1515%2D0dcc%2D4176%2Da2f8%2D8d4beebdf488
https://rilegislature.gov/pressrelease/_layouts/RIL.PressRelease.ListStructure/Forms/DisplayForm.aspx?List=c8baae31%2D3c10%2D431c%2D8dcd%2D9dbbe21ce3e9&ID=375110&Web=2bab1515%2D0dcc%2D4176%2Da2f8%2D8d4beebdf488
Comments
https://marketurbanism.com/2023/06/26/rhode-islands-housing-process-package/
Most importantly, it shifts the timing of permits. Instead of requiring state & federal permits at the "preliminary plan" stage, statute would now require them at the "final plan" stage. This probably saves duplicative work.