The bill amends Section 46-23-1 of the General Laws concerning the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) to include new legislative findings that affirm the rights of property owners within the council's jurisdiction. It recognizes that these property owners are not precluded from undertaking reasonable and necessary actions to protect against or mitigate harm from coastal hazards affecting human life, existing structures, infrastructure, or essential land uses, without requiring prior approval from the council.

Additionally, the bill establishes a new section, 46-23-31, which details the protective actions that property owners may take. These actions are limited to those reasonably necessary for safeguarding human life, public safety, existing structures, or essential land uses, which are defined as existing uses of property that provide significant economic, recreational, historic, or public benefit. The bill specifies that actions taken under this section do not include new development unrelated to the protection of the identified interests. The bill will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7309: 46-23-1