The bill amends Section 42-64.17-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-64.17 entitled "Long-Term Economic Development" to include considerations for climate change, sea-level rise, and coastal resiliency in Rhode Island's long-term economic development vision and policy. The economic development corporation and the division of planning are tasked with developing a strategic plan that integrates business growth with land use and transportation, supports infrastructure, ensures equitable outcomes, and relies on comprehensive economic data. The plan should also include suggestions for improving state agencies, municipalities, and community partners, and have detailed implementation plans with goals and performance measures.

Additionally, the bill increases the number of members on the economic development planning council from seventeen to nineteen by adding the directors of the department of environmental management and the coastal resources management council. The bill also replaces the director of the economic development corporation with the secretary of commerce as chair of the council. The council is responsible for developing the economic development vision and policy, which must be reviewed and considered by the governor and submitted to the senate and house of representatives. The final approval of the policy and plan requires a public hearing and must be published on the state's official website. The bill takes effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
6463: 42-64.17-1