Rhode IslandH76772026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

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

Sponsored By: Tina L. Spears (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Coastal council leads dredging and planning

The law names the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) as the lead for dredging in tidal waters. It is the main contact for dredging permits and runs a dredged‑material plan. The CRMC has exclusive authority below mean high water, while DEM keeps its powers under its own laws. The council must keep a statewide marine resources plan and adopt special area plans with cities, agencies, and universities. The CRMC can accept grants and loans to fund this work. The act takes effect upon passage.

Fees and cancellations for filled land leases

If you lease state filled land next to your property, you must pay any fee the council sets. The council can cancel the lease for cause, including not paying. If canceled, the land goes back to the state. Any fees already paid are not returned.

Legislature must OK 25+ acre tidal projects

Any project that fills or leases 25 acres or more of tidal land needs approval by the General Assembly. Smaller projects stay under the coastal council. This extra step can add time and conditions for very large projects.

Up to $80K yearly fee for cable landings

The coastal council can charge up to $80,000 per year for each transatlantic phone or fiber‑optic cable that lands in Rhode Island. Cable owners pay the fee. The money goes to the Bays, Rivers and Watersheds Fund.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Tina L. Spears
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Jennifer Boylan
Democratic • House
Justine A. Caldwell
Democratic • House
Lauren H. Carson
Democratic • House
Terri Cortvriend
Democratic • House
Kathleen A. Fogarty
Democratic • House
Katherine S. Kazarian
Democratic • House
Carol Hagan McEntee
Democratic • House
Evan P. Shanley
Democratic • House
Teresa A. Tanzi
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 72 • No: 0

House vote • 5/12/2026

COASTAL RES. MANAGEMENT COUNCIL PASSAGE