The bill amends Section 42-11-10 of the General Laws, focusing on the Department of Administration's statewide planning program in Rhode Island. It introduces a comprehensive, strategic state planning process for the state's physical, economic, and social development, requiring executive branch departments and agencies to conduct strategic planning under the supervision of the statewide planning program. This program includes a state planning council and the division of planning. The bill outlines the strategic planning activities, such as setting goals, formulating policies, and preparing long-range plans. It also specifies the composition of the state planning council, which now includes the secretary of housing or their designee, and details the council's powers and duties, such as adopting strategic plans and coordinating state agency activities. Notable changes include the replacement of the chairperson of the housing resources commission with the secretary of housing or designee and a shift in the technical committee's focus to local comprehensive planning and land use, with an emphasis on renewable energy resources.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the responsibilities of the Division of Statewide Planning, which is the principal staff agency for the state planning council. The division is tasked with preparing strategic plans, maintaining public records of all council actions, managing the Rhode Island geographic information system, and providing technical assistance for planning and implementing state guide plan elements. The bill includes the deletion of subsection (h) and reaffirms the division of planning's role as the principal staff agency for the water resources board. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7666: 42-11-10