The bill amends Section 46-23-1 of the General Laws concerning the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) to include new legislative findings that emphasize the rights of property owners within the council's jurisdiction. It recognizes that these property owners are permitted to undertake reasonable and necessary actions to protect against or mitigate harm from coastal hazards affecting human life, existing structures, infrastructure, or essential land uses without needing prior approval from the council.

Additionally, the bill establishes a new section, 46-23-31, which outlines the conditions under which property owners can act to mitigate harm from coastal hazards. It specifies that these actions must be reasonably necessary to protect 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 value. The bill clarifies that actions taken under this section may not include new development unrelated to the protection of the identified interests.

The act is designed to facilitate timely responses to coastal hazards while ensuring that such actions are limited to those necessary for protection. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
3039: 46-23-1