WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 8216

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Deb Fellela and 2 co-sponsors

CRMC must reassess all coastal water types and update regulations to better address climate change, sea level rise, and coastal resilience.

04/30/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 8216

Summary of HB 8216 (Rhode Island, 2026) – Coastal Resources Management Council

Purpose and Intent

  • Establishes a comprehensive review of Rhode Island’s coastal water classifications and CRMC policies to address evolving coastal conditions and the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise, erosion, and intensified coastal storms.
  • Aims to ensure that water type designations and regulatory frameworks remain aligned with current data and coastal adaptation needs.

Key Provisions

1) Water Type Reassessment (Section 2(a))

  • The CRMC must conduct a complete reassessment of all waters currently classified as Type 1 through Type 4.
  • Evaluation criteria include updated data, changes in upland and water uses, and new environmental conditions to determine if original designations remain appropriate or require revision.

2) Climate Change Adaptation Review (Section 2(b))

  • The CRMC must review all existing policies and regulations to incorporate measures addressing:
    • Sea level rise
    • Coastal erosion
    • Increased frequency and severity of coastal storms
  • Objective: ensure regulations support effective climate change adaptation.

3) Advisory Committee (Section 2(c))

  • By January 1, 2027, establish a seven-member advisory committee with representation from:
    • Rhode Island Commerce Corporation (appointed by the governor)
    • A statewide environmental organization (appointed by the House Speaker)
    • A representative from a marine trades organization (appointed by the Senate President)
    • Representative from planning department of a waterfront community with ≥30 miles of shoreline (appointed by the House Speaker)
    • Representative from planning department of a waterfront community with <30 miles of shoreline (appointed by the Senate President)
    • Director of the Department of Environmental Management or designee
    • One expert member chosen by the CRMC chairperson

4) Action Plan and Reporting (Section 2(d)-(e))

  • Within 3 months after the advisory committee’s first meeting, CRMC must present an action plan detailing scope, methodology, and schedule for reviews.
  • CRMC must provide monthly progress reports on required reviews to the advisory committee.
  • No later than 2 years after the advisory committee’s first meeting, CRMC must submit final recommendations on water type reclassifications and policy/regulatory changes to the advisory committee.
  • The advisory committee then prepares and submits a final report to the General Assembly and the Governor for consideration.

5) Rulemaking Authority (Section 2(f))

  • CRMC is authorized to initiate and promulgate rules or regulations needed to implement the recommendations, following the Administrative Procedures Act (chapter 35 of title 42).

6) Sunset (Section 2(g))

  • Provisions of the act sunset on July 1, 2030, unless extended by the General Assembly.

7) Effective Date (Section 3)

  • Takes effect upon passage.

Who Is Affected

  • CRMC: Primary agency responsible for conducting water type reassessments and policy updates.
  • Coastal communities and waterfront planning departments: Involved through advisory committee representation.
  • Rhode Island businesses and environmental groups: Indirectly affected via potential regulatory changes and adaptation measures.
  • State government: Interactions with the Governor, General Assembly, and Department of Environmental Management in implementing findings and potential rule changes.

Timeline and Procedural Highlights

  • Advisory Committee formed by Jan 1, 2027.
  • Action plan due within 3 months after the first advisory committee meeting.
  • Monthly progress reporting to the advisory committee begins after the first meeting.
  • Final recommendations due within 2 years of the advisory committee’s first meeting.
  • Sunset of act provisions July 1, 2030, unless extended.

Potential Impacts

  • Modernization of water type classifications to reflect current science and land/water-use changes.
  • Strengthened regulatory framework to address climate resilience in coastal management.
  • Inclusion of diverse stakeholder input through an appointed advisory committee.
  • Provision for formal rulemaking to implement recommended adaptations.

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

Sign in to ask a question.