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H 978

An Act to protect open space, historical resources, and community housing from coastal threats

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Patrick Kearney

H 978: An Act to Protect Open Space, Historical Resources, and Community Housing from Coastal Threats SummaryThis bill, known as the Coastal Resiliency and Preservation Act, aims t

Reporting date extended to Wednesday, December 31, 2025
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Bill Summary · H 978

H 978: An Act to Protect Open Space, Historical Resources, and Community Housing from Coastal Threats

Summary

This bill, known as the Coastal Resiliency and Preservation Act, aims to safeguard critical community assets from the growing threats of climate change and coastal hazards. The primary goals are to:

  1. Conserve open space and natural areas that provide flood and erosion protection
  2. Preserve historical and cultural resources located in vulnerable coastal regions
  3. Protect affordable housing and other community assets from displacement due to coastal flooding and sea level rise

Key Provisions

  • Establishes a Coastal Resiliency Fund to provide grants and technical assistance to municipalities for:
    • Acquiring and preserving open space and natural buffers in coastal areas
    • Reinforcing or relocating historical buildings and cultural sites at risk
    • Hardening or elevating affordable housing and other critical infrastructure
  • Requires state agencies to incorporate climate change projections and adaptation strategies into all coastal development plans and permitting decisions
  • Creates a Coastal Adaptation Task Force to coordinate statewide efforts and recommend policy changes
  • Expands eligibility for the state's existing Coastal Homeowner Assistance Program to cover more low-income residents

Impacts

  • Protects natural resources that provide important ecosystem services like flood control and erosion prevention
  • Helps preserve the cultural heritage and community character of vulnerable coastal regions
  • Reduces the risk of displacement for low-income residents living in flood-prone areas
  • Increases collaboration between state agencies, municipalities, and community stakeholders on climate resilience

Timeline

  • The bill was introduced on February 27, 2025 and is currently under consideration by the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture.
  • The reporting date for the committee has been extended to December 31, 2025, indicating it is still in the early stages of the legislative process.

Overall, H 978 represents a comprehensive approach to safeguarding critical coastal assets and enhancing the resilience of vulnerable communities in the face of climate change impacts.

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

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