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Rhode IslandS31482026 Regular SessionSenate

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

Sponsored By: V. Susan Sosnowski (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.

Fees and risks for filled-land leases

CRMC can charge a fee when it grants a state lease for filled lands next to your upland. The council can cancel a lease if you break its terms, harm the public trust, or do not pay required fees. If canceled, the land returns to the state and fees you paid are not refunded.

Annual fee on transatlantic cables

If a transatlantic telephone or fiber‑optic cable lands in Rhode Island, the owner pays up to $80,000 per year for each cable. The fee goes to the Bays, Rivers and Watersheds Fund for related work.

Coastal council leads dredging and planning

The Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) is the state lead for dredging in tidal waters. It is the main contact for dredging applications and must keep a dredge material management plan. The council must also prepare a marine resources development plan with DEM, statewide planning, and the commerce corporation, and update it at least every five years. CRMC runs its programs to match these plans.

Law takes effect immediately

This law is in force upon passage. All parts apply now unless a section says otherwise.

Lawmakers must approve tidal-land leases

Any lease or license to use tidal lands now needs direct approval by the General Assembly. CRMC reviews each request first and sends its recommendation to lawmakers. This adds a legislative step for applicants.

Who approves leases and big fills

CRMC has sole authority to lease submerged and filled lands and to license their use. Large projects that fill 25 acres or more, and leases or licenses covering 25 acres or more, must also get approval by the General Assembly. Smaller projects stay under CRMC’s authority.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • V. Susan Sosnowski

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 107 • No: 0

House vote • 6/8/2026

COASTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 69 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/4/2026

WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- COASTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT COUNCIL Passage

Yes: 38 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 293

    6/23/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/18/2026Governor

  3. House passed in concurrence

    6/8/2026House

  4. Placed on the House Consent Calendar (06/08/2026)

    6/5/2026House

  5. Senate read and passed

    6/4/2026Senate

  6. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/04/2026)

    6/2/2026Senate

  7. Committee recommends passage

    6/2/2026

  8. Scheduled for consideration (06/02/2026)

    5/29/2026

  9. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    4/29/2026

  10. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/29/2026)

    4/24/2026

  11. Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture

    3/27/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • S3148 - As Introduced

    3/27/2026

    HTMLPDF

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