The bill proposes a comprehensive restructuring of the management of coastal resources in Rhode Island by replacing the existing "Coastal Resources Management Council" with a new "Department of Coastal Resources." The language throughout the chapter is updated to reflect this change, with deletions of references to the "council" and insertions of the "department of coastal resources." 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 serving as the primary contact for dredging project applications. The bill emphasizes the importance of Rhode Island's coastal resources and the General Assembly's duty to conserve these resources, highlighting the need for 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 certain large-scale projects and leases of tidal lands will require approval by the general assembly. New terms are defined, such as "department" and "director," and a maximum fee for transatlantic cables is set. The bill repeals the creation of the CRMC and validates the appointments made to the CRMC, with appointees serving the remainder of their term. The department is responsible for developing a system for leasing submerged and filled lands and giving licenses for the use of that land, ensuring consistency with the public trust.