This bill amends sections 46-23-1 and 46-23-6 of the Rhode Island General Laws, focusing on the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) and its role in managing the state's coastal resources. It emphasizes the importance of these resources for various aspects of public life and designates the CRMC as the lead state agency for dredging in tidal waters. The bill highlights the need for a maintenance dredging policy due to the negative environmental and economic impacts of silt accumulation, particularly in the Providence Channel. It also introduces a new provision requiring legislative approval for any large-scale filling projects or leases of tidal lands that are 25 acres or more. The CRMC is given the responsibility to review lease requests and recommend fees, with the authority to impose a maximum fee of $80,000 per annum for transatlantic communication cables landing in Rhode Island.

The bill further outlines the CRMC's powers and duties, including the development of a marine resources development plan and special area management plans, which must be updated every five years and involve various stakeholders. The council has exclusive jurisdiction over certain coastal wetlands and is responsible for formulating policies and regulations for coastal resource management. It also defines the council's coordinating role with the department of environmental management, its advisory role to the government and public, and its authority to issue permits and enforce riparian rights. The bill grants the council the power to designate public rights-of-way to tidal water areas and to issue assents for pre-existing residential boating facilities. Lastly, the bill mandates that leases of filled lands that were formerly tidal lands must preserve public interests, with leases up to 50 years and a possible renewal, and requires legislative action for projects involving 25 acres or more. The act would take effect upon passage, with the legislature negotiating on behalf of the state for activities on state submerged land extending beyond 25 acres.