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HB 6093

AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- COASTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT COUNCIL

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jennifer Boylan and 8 co-sponsors

Requires a formal parking plan for any changes near CRMC rights-of-way to protect shoreline access, ensure ADA compliance, public input and interagency enforcement; penalties apply.

06/27/2025 Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · HB 6093

Bill Summary — HB 6093

Title: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION — COASTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT COUNCIL
Status: Signed by Governor (06/27/2025) — effective upon passage

Note: The introduced text originally included unrelated material (a Michigan liquor code amendment). The enacted Substitute A (as amended) replaces that material with a Rhode Island law amending Chapter 46-23 (Coastal Resources Management Council, “CRMC”).

Purpose / Intent

To protect and preserve public shoreline access by establishing a formal process and standards for any proposed reductions or restrictions of parking near CRMC rights-of-way. The law emphasizes public access, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, interagency coordination, and enforceable penalties for noncompliance.

Key provisions

  • Adds two sections to R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 46-23:

    • 46-23-27 — Requirements for parking modifications near CRMC rights-of-way
    • Any city, town, municipal agency, private entity, or organization proposing to reduce or restrict parking near designated CRMC rights-of-way must submit a comprehensive parking plan that:
      • Identifies specific parking areas affected;
      • States reasons for proposed changes;
      • Analyzes potential impacts on public shoreline access, with explicit focus on ADA compliance.
    • Must demonstrate the proposal will not reduce access for individuals with disabilities and must meet or exceed ADA requirements for accessible spaces and pathways.
    • Must conduct a public comment period of at least 30 days.
    • CRMC must collaborate with the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to ensure no conflict with DEM programs, alignment with public shoreline access goals, and development of mitigation measures for any negative impacts.
    • CRMC and/or DEM may promulgate rules to implement this section within six months of their collaboration.
    • Exemption: State or municipal agencies acting under authority are exempt if restrictions are temporary and solely for public safety or traffic flow. If restrictions exceed 20 calendar days, notice to CRMC is required and CRMC will make notice public.
    • 46-23-28 — Enforcement and penalties
    • Entities that reduce/restrict parking without complying with section 46-23-27 are subject to:
      • Cease-and-desist order by CRMC or DEM;
      • Fine up to $500 per day for each day of noncompliance;
      • Additional corrective measures as deemed necessary to restore equitable access.

  • Severability clause: invalidation of any provision does not affect the remainder of the act.

  • Effective immediately upon passage.

Who is affected

  • Cities, towns, municipal agencies, private entities, developers, and other organizations proposing parking reductions/restrictions near CRMC rights-of-way.
  • CRMC and DEM (administrative, review, rulemaking, enforcement responsibilities).
  • Members of the public and disability advocates (enhanced procedural rights and protections).

Procedural timeline / notable dates

  • Introduced as Substitute A (House) March 14, 2025.
  • Committee/House/Senate actions in June 2025; Senate concurrence and final passage in June.
  • Transmitted to Governor: 06/23/2025; Signed: 06/27/2025.
  • Rulemaking by CRMC/DEM to be completed within six months of their collaboration under the statute.
  • Public comment requirement: minimum 30 days.
  • Temporary exemption threshold: restrictions lasting more than 20 calendar days require notice to CRMC.

Potential impacts

  • Increases procedural requirements and oversight for parking changes near shoreline access points, likely reducing unilateral or ad hoc reductions of public parking.
  • Adds administrative and compliance workload for municipal entities and CRMC/DEM (plan review, coordination, rulemaking).
  • Strengthens ADA protections and public participation in decisions affecting shoreline access.
  • Establishes enforceable penalties to deter unauthorized restrictions.

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

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