This bill amends Chapter 34-8 of the General Laws, changing the title from "Rhode Island Coordinate System" to "Rhode Island State Plane Coordinate System." It updates the legal framework to adopt the most recent system of plane coordinates established by the National Geodetic Survey, which is part of NOAA and the US Department of Commerce. The bill includes new definitions for terms related to the coordinate systems, such as the Rhode Island State Plane Coordinate System, and outlines the use of legacy systems from 1927 and 1983.

The Rhode Island State Plane Coordinate System will be the official system for projects commenced after its official release in 2022. The bill specifies that the international foot shall be used for all foot distances and coordinates unless tied to one of the legacy systems defined in the bill. It establishes that one international foot equals .3048 meter exactly.

Additionally, the bill sets forth requirements for the use of coordinates in public records, stating that coordinates based on any Rhode Island coordinate system must conform to current standards and guidelines published by the National Geodetic Survey. These coordinates must be accompanied by a specific statement regarding their basis and a description of the survey method used. The act will take effect upon passage.