The bill HR 5847 proposes the establishment of a special legislative commission to study and address the flooding issues of the Pawtuxet River in Rhode Island. The commission will consist of eleven members, including representatives from the House of Representatives, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, local homeowners and business owners, and various state agency directors. Its objectives include exploring potential solutions such as infrastructure improvements, flood prevention measures, and community preparedness initiatives to mitigate the impacts of flooding in the affected areas.

The commission is required to meet and organize promptly after the bill's passage, with a chairperson selected from among the legislators. It is mandated to report its findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives by March 2, 2026, and will dissolve on June 2, 2026. The bill underscores the importance of addressing ongoing flooding issues for the safety and well-being of the public and future generations, particularly in light of recent severe flooding events that have caused significant damage in Warwick and surrounding neighborhoods.