The bill amends Chapter 46-23 of the General Laws concerning the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) in Rhode Island. It establishes that the legislature will negotiate on behalf of the state for all activities occurring in, on, and over state submerged land extending beyond twenty-five (25) acres. The CRMC is tasked with making recommendations to the General Assembly regarding any large-scale filling projects or leases of tidal lands of twenty-five (25) acres or more, which must receive approval, disapproval, or conditional approval through legislative action.

The legislation introduces provisions for an appropriate fee for such use and/or lease, including a maximum fee of eighty thousand dollars ($80,000) per annum for any transatlantic telephone or fiber-optic communication cable that makes landfall in Rhode Island. It also clarifies that any lease of tidal lands or license to use those lands is subject to the approval of the General Assembly.

Additionally, the bill outlines that the CRMC shall impose fees for leases and may cancel leases for violations of terms or non-payment of fees, with any fees paid not being refundable. The act takes effect upon passage.