This bill establishes a procedure for managing parking modifications near designated Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) rights of way in Rhode Island, emphasizing the importance of public access to shorelines. It creates a "Rhode Island shoreline access improvement fund" to support projects that enhance public access to the shoreline, funded by fines collected for violations related to parking restrictions.

Entities seeking to reduce or restrict parking near CRMC rights of way must submit a comprehensive parking plan that includes details on the specific parking areas affected, the reasons for the proposed changes, and an analysis of the potential impacts on shoreline access, particularly regarding compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The plan must demonstrate that access for individuals with disabilities will not be reduced and must meet or exceed ADA requirements for accessible parking spaces and pathways. Additionally, a public comment period of no less than thirty days is required to gather feedback from local residents, stakeholders, and advocacy groups.

The CRMC is required to collaborate with the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to ensure that the proposed plan does not conflict with DEM programs or negatively interfere with compliance with state and federal accessibility standards. The collaboration aims to align with the goals of preserving and enhancing public shoreline access and to provide mitigation measures for any negative impacts identified during the review process.

Enforcement measures for non-compliance include cease-and-desist orders and fines not exceeding $5,000 per day for each day of non-compliance. Funds collected through these fines will be allocated to the shoreline access improvement fund to support projects enhancing public access to the shoreline. The CRMC and/or DEM may also promulgate necessary rules and regulations to facilitate the implementation of this section within six months of the collaboration.