The bill proposes a comprehensive restructuring of Rhode Island's coastal resources management by changing the "Coastal Resources Management Council" to the "DEPARTMENT OF COASTAL RESOURCES." This change signifies a shift in the organizational structure and the renaming of the entity responsible for managing the state's coastal resources. The bill includes updates to the language throughout the chapter to reflect the new title and organizational changes. It emphasizes the importance of Rhode Island's coastal resources and the need for planned development to prevent damage and ensure efficient utilization. The bill designates the newly named Department of Coastal Resources as the lead state agency for dredging in tidal waters and outlines its duties and responsibilities. It also removes language regarding the lack of a general maintenance dredging policy and suggests that such programs should continue.

The bill transfers all powers and duties previously vested in the coastal resources management council to the newly established Department of Coastal Resources. It introduces new definitions and clarifications within the chapter, such as "administrative penalty," "department," "director," "person," and "service." The bill eliminates the previous system of appointments made by the governor and the requirement for members to be appointed or elected officials of local government. Instead, it establishes a new Department of Coastal Resources within the executive branch, headed by a director appointed by the governor. The bill also creates a citizens advisory committee for coastal resources and outlines the process for the transfer of responsibilities and the establishment of other advisory committees. References to the "coastal resources management council" in existing laws and regulations are to be interpreted as referring to the new Department of Coastal Resources.