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LD 228

An Act To Allow Coastal Seawalls To Be Raised By Up To 2 Feet In Order To Accommodate Predicted Sea Level Rise

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Donna Bailey and 7 co-sponsors

The act allows raising coastal seawalls by up to two feet to help adapt to predicted sea level rise.

Signed by Governor
#coastalareas #height #seawalls
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Bill Summary · LD 228

Summary — LD 228 (2025)

Title: An Act To Allow Coastal Seawalls To Be Raised By Up To 2 Feet In Order To Accommodate Predicted Sea Level Rise
Status: Signed by Governor (emergency measure) — became law May 2025

Purpose

LD 228 authorizes raising existing coastal seawalls by up to two feet to accommodate predicted sea level rise. The stated intent is to provide a statutory mechanism to allow modest increases in seawall height for adaptation and protection of coastal property and infrastructure in response to projected sea-level changes.

Key provisions (as reflected in available documents)

  • Permits raising coastal seawalls by up to 2 feet above their current height to address predicted sea level rise.
  • Committee Amendment “A” (H‑164) was adopted during the legislative process; the amendment as adopted became part of the enacted language (text not included in the fiscal documents provided).
  • The measure was enacted as an emergency bill, requiring and receiving a two‑thirds vote of the House; it therefore took effect immediately on enactment (upon the Governor’s signature).

Note: The fiscal documents available summarize administrative impacts only. For precise regulatory/permit language, conditions, or limitations (e.g., who may raise a seawall, permitting procedures, environmental safeguards), consult the enacted statute or the bill text as enrolled.

Who is affected

  • Coastal property owners and municipalities that maintain seawalls: may be eligible to raise seawalls up to two feet under the new authorization.
  • Department of Environmental Protection (DEP): responsible for implementing any permitting or review changes required by the law.
  • Coastal contractors, engineers, insurers, and shoreline communities: may see changes in demand, liabilities, and adaptation planning.
  • Coastal ecosystems and public coastal resources: may be indirectly affected depending on how raising seawalls is implemented and regulated.

Fiscal impact

  • Fiscal notes (approved 04/01/25 and 05/21/25) estimate a minor cost increase to the Department of Environmental Protection, chargeable to Other Special Revenue Funds.
  • The DEP is expected to absorb any additional costs within existing budgeted resources.

Legislative timeline / procedural notes

  • Introduced: January 16, 2025; referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.
  • Committee work and amendment: work sessions March–May 2025; Committee Amendment A adopted May 21, 2025.
  • Passed and enacted under emergency procedure (two‑thirds required and obtained); passed concurrence votes May 20–27, 2025.
  • Signed by the Governor and enacted in late May 2025 (effective immediately as an emergency law).

Additional guidance

This summary is based on the bill title, enacted/legislative actions, and fiscal notes. For the exact statutory language, regulatory implications, permitted procedures, and any conditions or limits created by Committee Amendment A, consult the enrolled bill text or the codified statute.

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

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