The bill proposes the addition of a new chapter, Chapter 23.4, titled "ACT ON COASTS -- COASTAL RESILIENCY" to Title 46 of the General Laws, which is focused on waters and navigation. This chapter establishes the role of the Rhode Island Chief Resilience Officer (CRO) and outlines their responsibilities, which include conducting a comprehensive assessment of climate risks related to sea level rise, developing a coastal resilience plan, coordinating resilience efforts across various entities, and providing technical assistance and biennial reports on the state of resilience in Rhode Island. The CRO is also tasked with drafting state policies on resilience, advocating for state actions on resilience, and working closely with the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (RIIB) and other agencies on resilience projects and grant programs.

The bill specifies that the Rhode Island statewide climate change resilience strategy must include a coastal resilience plan with both long-term and short-term strategies for climate change resilience and adaptation in coastal areas. This plan should contain information and assessments required by FEMA for federal funding eligibility, an assessment of community vulnerabilities to climate change effects by 2050, detailed information on investments made for resilience, recommendations for further investment in resilience structures or strategies, and a comprehensive list of recommendations for actions to prepare for climate change impacts. The plan must be updated as necessary and reviewed at least every two years, starting October 1, 2027, by the CRO. The act will take effect upon passage.