The proposed bill establishes the Merrimack River Collaborative, a coordinating entity aimed at improving water quality in the Merrimack River and supporting biodiversity, climate resilience, and ecological health. The Collaborative will initially focus on the mainstem of the river, with potential future expansion to its tributaries. Its goals include convening members for collaborative projects, enhancing water quality monitoring, addressing pollutants, prioritizing implementation projects, and identifying funding opportunities. The Collaborative will be managed by an Executive Committee composed of representatives from key organizations and will include members from local communities, state legislative offices, and various stakeholders involved in water quality issues.

The Collaborative will not be a funded entity and members will not receive compensation for their services. It will have the authority to conduct public hearings, produce an annual report detailing its accomplishments and future efforts, and submit this report to the Senate and House of Representatives by December 31st each year. Appointments to the Collaborative must be confirmed by the Executive Committee within 90 days of the act's effective date, and the first meeting is to occur within the same timeframe.