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HB 8301

AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terri Cortvriend and 1 co-sponsor

DEM will maintain state-owned boat ramps and docks and fund repairs through a new dedicated restricted account funded by user fees.

04/14/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HB 8301

Summary of HB 8301 (Rhode Island, 2026) – Department of Environmental Management

Purpose and Intent

  • Establishes that the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is responsible for the maintenance and repair of state-owned or operated boat ramps and docks.
  • Creates a dedicated funding mechanism (a restricted receipt account) to support maintenance and repair of public boat ramps and docks.
  • Promotes rules to clarify ownership, maintenance, and repair responsibilities between municipalities and the DEM.

Key Provisions

  1. Definition and Scope (Section 42-17.1-47)

    • Defines “boat ramps and docks” to include sloping approaches into bodies of water, as well as docks, piers, and related in-water structures.

  2. DEM Maintenance Responsibility (Section (b))

    • States the state’s obligation to maintain and repair state-owned or operated boat ramps and docks.
    • Frames these actions as essential to sustaining public boating access and related infrastructure.

  3. Public Boat Ramps and Docks Restricted Receipt Account (Section (c))

    • Creates a dedicated restricted receipt account to fund maintenance and repair.
    • Funding source: fees collected from the use of state-owned or operated boat ramps and docks.
    • The DEM is authorized to establish by rule what percentage of these fees is deposited into the restricted receipt account.

  4. Rules on Ownership and Maintenance (Section (d))

    • DEM must promulgate rules to delineate the division of ownership, maintenance, and repair responsibilities between municipalities and the DEM.

  5. Effective Date (Section 2)

    • The act takes effect upon passage.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Public Access Infrastructure: State-owned or operated boat ramps and docks across Rhode Island.
  • DEM (Department of Environmental Management): Assigned maintenance and repair duties; authorized to manage the new restricted receipt account.
  • Municipalities: Potentially share or transfer maintenance responsibilities under rules established by the DEM.
  • Users of Waters Access: Boaters and the general public who rely on ramps and docks for launching, retrieval, and related activities.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Referral: Introduced March 13, 2026; referred to House Finance.
  • Committee Action: As of the latest action, the Committee recommended the measure be held for further study (April 14, 2026).
  • Effective Date: Immediate upon passage (no phased implementation provided in text).

Practical Implications

  • Creates a dedicated funding stream for ramp/dock upkeep, potentially improving reliability and safety of public boating access.
  • Requires DEM to develop rules that clarify responsibility between state and local governments, which could affect municipal budgets and maintenance planning.
  • Establishes an ongoing process to allocate fee revenue to maintenance via a restricted account, though the exact funding percentage to this account will be determined by DEM rules.

Notes for Stakeholders

  • Municipalities should monitor DEM rulemaking to anticipate changes in maintenance responsibilities.
  • Boating communities may see improved infrastructure but should be aware of fee-based funding mechanisms and any resulting fee adjustments.
  • Further committee action and potential amendments could shape the balance of responsibilities and funding allocations.

If you’d like, I can track subsequent amendments or provide a side-by-side comparison with current law on boat ramp maintenance.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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