AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- COASTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT COUNCIL (Requires the coastal resources management council to conduct a review of certain water classifications and existing policies and regulations to properly account for sea level rise.)

H8216

2026 -- H 8216
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LC003247
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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A N A C T
RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- COASTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
COUNCIL

Introduced By:
Representatives Serpa, Fogarty, and Fellela

Date Introduced:
February 27, 2026

Referred To:
House State Government & Elections
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
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SECTION 1. Findings. The General Assembly finds and declares that:
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(1) The people of Rhode Island have a fundamental right to the use and enjoyment of the
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state’s natural resources, balanced with the preservation and protection of those resources for
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present and future generations; and
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(2) The General Assembly has the constitutional responsibility to conserve air, land, water,
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plant, animal, mineral, and other natural resources and to adopt laws necessary to protect the state’s
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natural environment and promote the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens; and
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(3) In 1971, the General Assembly passed legislation that delegated authority to the Coastal
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Resources Management Council (CRMC) to manage and regulate the use of coastal and tidal waters
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and adjacent lands in the state recognizing the importance that the coastal resources provide to the
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social and economic welfare of the state; and
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(4) In 1983, the CRMC adopted a water type classification system to manage state waters
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based largely on upland land uses as of 1982, using tools and data that were limited at that time;
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and
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(5) Since the original water type designation, significant advances in data analysis and
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changes in land and water uses have occurred, warranting a comprehensive review of all Type 1
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through Type 4 waters to determine whether the original goals remain appropriate or if
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reclassification is necessary; and

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(6) Climate change has precipitated unprecedented changes to Rhode Island’s shorelines,
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including sea level rise, increased erosion, and more severe coastal storms, creating new challenges
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to infrastructure and coastal resource management; and
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(7) Current CRMC policies and regulations were developed prior to the full recognition of
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climate change impacts and may hinder future adaptation efforts and the health of coastal
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environments; and
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(8) It is critical to maintain our state's infrastructure and valued coastal resources that the
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CRMC undertake a thorough review of all applicable policies and regulations to ensure they
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adequately address sea level rise, erosion, and the increased severity of coastal storms.
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SECTION 2. Chapter 46-23 of the General Laws entitled "Coastal Resources Management
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Council" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
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46-23-31. Review of water type classifications and coastal adaptation policies.

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(a) Water type review.
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In recognition of evolving coastal conditions and data availability, and the impacts of
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climate change on Rhode Island’s shorelines, the coastal resources management council (CRMC)
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shall conduct a complete reassessment of all waters classified as Type 1 through Type 4, evaluating
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whether the original water type designations meet current goals or require revision based on
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updated data, changes in upland and water uses, and emerging environmental conditions.
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(b) Climate change adaptation review.
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The CRMC shall review all existing policies and regulations under its jurisdiction to
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incorporate appropriate measures addressing sea level rise, coastal erosion, and the increased
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frequency and severity of coastal storms, ensuring regulations support effective climate change
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adaptation.
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(c) Advisory committee.
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To assist in these reviews, by January 1, 2027, the CRMC shall establish a seven (7)
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member advisory committee composed of:
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(1) One representative from the Rhode Island commerce corporation appointed by the
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governor;
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(2) One representative from a statewide environmental organization appointed by the
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speaker of the house;
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(3) One representative from a marine trades organization appointed by the senate president;
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(4) One representative from the planning department of a waterfront community with at
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least thirty (30) miles of shoreline appointed by the speaker of the house;
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(5) One representative from the planning department of a waterfront community with less

LC003247 - Page 2 of 4
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than thirty (30) miles of shoreline appointed by the senate president;
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(6) The director of the department of environmental management, or designee; and
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(7) One member with relevant expertise appointed by the CRMC chairperson.
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(d) Action plan and reporting.
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Within three (3) months following the first meeting of the advisory committee, the CRMC
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shall present an action plan to the committee outlining the scope, methodology, and schedule for
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the reviews. The CRMC shall provide monthly progress reports on the required reviews to the
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advisory committee.
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(e) Final recommendations.
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No later than two (2) years after the advisory committee’s first meeting, the CRMC shall
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submit a report containing its final recommendations regarding water type reclassifications and
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policy or regulatory changes to the advisory committee. The advisory committee shall then prepare
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and submit a final report to the general assembly and the governor for consideration.
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(f) Rulemaking authority.
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The CRMC is authorized to initiate and promulgate any rules or regulations necessary to
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implement the recommendations arising from this review consistent with the procedures set forth
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in chapter 35 of title 42 ("administrative procedures").
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(g) The provisions of this section shall sunset on July 1, 2030, unless extended by the
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general assembly.
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SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- COASTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
COUNCIL
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This act would require the coastal resources management council to conduct a review of
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certain water classifications and existing policies and regulations to properly account for sea level
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rise.
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This act would take effect upon passage.
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