The bill HR 5847 proposes the establishment of a special legislative commission to study and address flooding issues in 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 report its findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives by March 2, 2026, and will be dissolved on June 2, 2026. The bill highlights the urgency of addressing the flooding problem, which has caused significant damage and posed risks to public safety, particularly following severe weather events in December 2023 and January 2024. The commission will collaborate with state agencies to gather necessary information and develop effective strategies to enhance flood resilience in the Pawtuxet River watershed.