Rhode Island Bill H 7991 Prioritizes Nature-Based Solutions for Coastal Erosion Control and Expedites Permitting

Original title: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- COASTAL RESILIENCE -- NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS FOR EROSION CONTROL, WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, AND EXPEDITED PERMITTING (Provides that DEM regulations and CRMC in consultation with the chief resilience officer shall update to prioritize nature based solutions for coastal resilience projects that would be coordinated by DEM using an expedited permitting process.)

Last action · March 25, 2026: Committee recommended measure be held for further studySponsors: Terri Cortvriend and 6 others

Bill progressHistory & official text ↓

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

Law

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What This Bill Proposed

State regulations must be updated by the Department of Environmental Management and the Coastal Resources Management Council, in consultation with the chief resilience officer, to prioritize for coastal resilience projects.

Who It Would Have Affected

Groups the bill's text would have affected, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Coastal property owners

Permitting requirements and regulatory priorities change for erosion control and water resource management projects on their properties.

Directly affected

Municipalities

Local governments planning coastal resilience initiatives must navigate the updated nature-based prioritization and expedited permitting framework.

Key Facts

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Frequently Asked Questions

What agencies are responsible for updating the coastal resilience regulations?

The Department of Environmental Management and the Coastal Resources Management Council, in consultation with the chief resilience officer.

What type of projects are prioritized under this measure?

for erosion control, water resource management, and coastal resilience.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

This bill did not become law - Died at adjournment · in House committee.

Procedural history

4 actions

Mar 25, 2026
Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Mar 20, 2026
Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/25/2026)
Mar 4, 2026
Committee transferred to House Environment and Natural Resources
Feb 27, 2026Introduced
Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections

Version history

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