Rhode IslandH56862025 Regular SessionHouse

AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- COASTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT COUNCIL .

Sponsored By: Kathleen A. Fogarty (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Approval path for older home docks

The law allows approval of residential boating facilities built before January 1, 1985, even without meeting current Council standards. Owners had to apply to the Coastal Resources Management Council by January 31, 1999; that deadline has passed. Applicants needed clear and convincing evidence that the facility existed in substantially the same layout before January 1, 1985. It must remain intact and usable, pose no significant risk to coastal resources, and not endanger human safety. Facilities built on or after January 1, 1985, must follow the law and Council rules and plans.

Towns must map public coastal access

The Coastal Resources Management Council must send towns its final public access route decisions and related official records. Towns must keep current lists of Council-designated routes to tidal waters and show them on official maps. A town's failure to do this work does not invalidate the Council's process or final decisions. Towns must notify the Council at least 60 days before abandoning a route they judge no longer useful to the public.

Lease exemptions for qualifying boating facilities

The law recognizes marinas defined in the coastal program on June 1, 1997, as consistent with public-trust uses. It also recognizes Council-defined and properly permitted recreational boating facilities, including boat ramps and recreational mooring areas. Owners and successors with marina approval in effect on June 1, 1997, receive filled-land lease exemptions for covered changes, expansions, activities, and renewals. Specified recreational boating facilities, activities, and approval renewals also receive lease exemptions, with the same approval cutoff where required.

Coastal owners get long-term land leases

Owners next to filled former tidal land can apply to lease that land after first getting Coastal Resources Management Council approval. A lease can last up to 50 years, with one optional renewal of up to 50 more years. Public rights to navigation, fishing, and commerce continue during the lease. The Council can cancel a lease for broken terms or uses that conflict with those public rights. Upon cancellation, title and rights return to the state.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Kathleen A. Fogarty
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

David A. Bennett
Democratic • House
Justine A. Caldwell
Democratic • House
Lauren H. Carson
Democratic • House
Terri Cortvriend
Democratic • House
Arthur J. Corvese
Democratic • House
Grace Diaz
Democratic • House
Raymond A. Hull
Democratic • House
Michelle E. McGaw
Democratic • House
June Speakman
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 69 • No: 0

House vote • 4/1/2025

COASTAL RESOURCES MANAGE.COUNCIL PASSAGE