The bill proposes the establishment of a new Division of Coastal Resources Management within the Department of Environmental Management (DEM), replacing the existing Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC). This new division will oversee dredging in tidal waters and manage coastal resources, with specific duties and responsibilities outlined in chapter 23 of title 46. The division is designated as the lead state agency for dredging and will prepare, adopt, and implement a comprehensive plan for dredged material management.

Key responsibilities of the division include reviewing and recommending leases and licenses for submerged and filled lands, with a maximum fee of $80,000 per year for such licenses. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining the state's coastal resources and outlines the division's authority in managing these resources, ensuring that existing regulations for aquaculture and water quality certification remain unaffected.

The bill includes several amendments to current laws, such as the transfer of authority from the Coastal Resources Management Council to the Division of Coastal Resources Management. It clarifies that whenever the terms "coastal resources management council," "council," or "CRMC" appear in any general or public law, they shall refer to the "division of coastal resources management." Additionally, the director of DEM will assume duties formerly imposed on the council.

The division will be responsible for issuing beach vehicle registration permits, coordinating hearings on solid waste disposal license applications, and managing public rights-of-way to tidal waters. The act aims to streamline the regulatory process while enhancing environmental protections and ensuring that the management of Rhode Island's coastal resources is effective and aligned with public trust principles. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5453: 42-17.1-4, 46-1.1-1, 46-6.1-5