SECTION 1. Section 42-64.3-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-64.3 entitled "Distressed Areas Economic Revitalization Act" is hereby amended to read as follows:

42-64.3-4. Designation of enterprise zones. -- (a) The council may designate qualified United States bureau of the census divisions or delineations as enterprise zones upon receiving notice from the appropriate governing authority that the governing authority agrees to:

(1) Devise and implement a program of police protection within the enterprise zone;

(2) Give priority to the use in the enterprise zone of any urban development action grant (UDAG), community development block grant (CDBG), economic development administration (EDA) or job training, housing or economic development assistance funds or job training funds received from the federal government;

(3) Assist the council in certifying employers to be eligible for the benefits of this chapter;

(4) Promulgate local regulations and ordinances which serve to encourage economic development within the enterprise zone;

(5) Assist the council in evaluating progress made in any enterprise zone within its jurisdiction; and

(6) Amend local zoning ordinances or regulations.

(b) The council may designate four (4) five (5) zones per year but shall be limited to designating a total of nine (9) ten (10) zones in the next three (3) years and this designation shall remain in effect for five (5) years unless redesignated by the council after a request of the appropriate governing authority.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.