The bill proposes to amend Chapter 46-19.1 of the General Laws, changing its title from "Dam Permits" to "MAINTENANCE OF PONDS, DAMS AND DOCKS." It introduces new provisions specifically for pond maintenance in the town of Coventry. Under the new legislation, property owners adjacent to a pond with a capacity greater than 1,400 normal storage acre feet of water in Coventry would only require approval from the Department of Environmental Management to alter, repair, modify, or replace a dock on the pond. Existing docks within such ponds are deemed acceptable by the department as of the enactment of this section. The bill also clarifies that ponds owned by the State of Rhode Island, its governmental subdivisions, quasi-public entities, or utilities in Coventry are not subject to this section.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that if a property owner's land extends beyond the water line into Johnson’s Pond, as described in their deed, they do not need to obtain authorization from the owner of Johnson’s Pond before commencing waterfront improvements, including the construction of docks. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage. This legislation aims to simplify the process for property owners in Coventry looking to maintain or improve docks on ponds that meet the specified criteria, reducing the need for multiple approvals.