The bill proposes a comprehensive restructuring of Rhode Island's coastal resources management by replacing the existing Coastal Resources Management Council with a new Department of Coastal Resources. This change involves updating the chapter title and replacing all references to the "council" with the "department of coastal resources" throughout the chapter. The department is designated as the lead state agency for dredging in tidal waters and is tasked with coordinating state interests in dredging, formulating state policy, negotiating agreements, and processing dredging project applications. The bill emphasizes the importance of Rhode Island's coastal resources and the need for their planned development and management, and it addresses the lack of a general maintenance dredging policy by proposing that the department develop and implement a comprehensive plan for dredge material management.

The bill also outlines the transfer of all powers and duties from the Coastal Resources Management Council to the Department of Coastal Resources, including the authority to manage and plan for the preservation of the state's coastal resources. It specifies that large-scale filling projects, leases of tidal lands, or licenses to use those lands will require approval by the general assembly, while the department has sole authority for projects less than twenty-five acres. The bill defines key terms, creates a community advisory committee, and empowers the director to hire staff attorneys. It transfers all employees of the council to the department, retaining their status and benefits, and ensures that all prior actions taken by the council remain valid. The bill also mandates the department to develop comprehensive programs for dredging and related activities, and it revises the management of marine resources development plans and special area management plans. The department's jurisdiction and coordinating powers are expanded, and it is authorized to issue permits, enforce riparian rights, and develop rules for the management of freshwater wetlands affected by aquaculture projects.