This bill establishes a new Division of Climate Change and Damage within the Department of Environmental Services, appointing a director to oversee its operations. The director will be nominated by the commissioner from a list of three candidates and appointed by the governor with council consent, serving a four-year term. The division's responsibilities include adaptation planning, research and data analysis, public engagement and education, and funding and grants management. Specific tasks outlined for the director include conducting vulnerability assessments, developing resilience plans, leading awareness campaigns, and administering grant programs for climate change initiatives.

However, the bill does not provide funding for the new division or the director's position, which is estimated to cost over $822,000 annually, including salaries for the director and additional staff needed to fulfill the division's responsibilities. The Department of Environmental Services has indicated that while they currently manage some related functions, the proposed tasks exceed their staffing capabilities. As a result, the bill's implementation may be hindered without the necessary funding and staffing authorizations. The act is set to take effect 60 days after passage.