This legislation notably reduces the number of hearing officers from two to one and designates the executive director of coastal resources management as the clerk to the hearing officers. It grants the council the authority to permit public testimony during administrative hearings. Furthermore, the bill establishes clearer rules regarding contested cases, ensuring procedures are in place for transparency and public participation, integral for addressing community concerns regarding coastal management.
Summary
House Bill H8307 introduces significant amendments to the Coastal Resources Management Council regulations, primarily affecting the management and administrative hearing processes tied to coastal resources in Rhode Island. The bill aims to streamline the authority and responsibilities of hearing officers and the council, which are crucial for the resolution of contested cases and enforcement proceedings related to coastal management.
Contention
Key points of contention surrounding H8307 involve the balance between efficient administrative processes and maintaining robust public participation in hearings. Proponents argue that reducing the number of officers will lead to more efficient and streamlined processes for resolving coastal resource disputes. However, critics express concern that limiting the number of hearing officers may lead to delays or the sidelining of important community input, particularly in cases that directly affect local fishermen, environmental groups, and coastal property owners.
Reorganizes the coastal resources management council under the department of environmental management and create the bureau of coastal resources management.
Merges the coastal resources management council with the department of environmental management and creates the bureau of coastal resources management within the department of environmental management.
Replaces the coastal resources management council with a state department of coastal resources and transfer all of the powers and duties between the two (2) authorities.
Replaces the coastal resources management council with a state department of coastal resources and transfer all of the powers and duties between the two (2) authorities.
Replaces CRMC with a newly created division of coastal resources management, a state entity within the DEM and would transfer all authority to the DEM with duties and responsibilities to be carried out by the division of coastal resources management.
JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $400,000 TO THE COASTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT COUNCIL (CRMC) FOR FUNDING OF URI'S COASTAL RESOURCES CENTER (CRC) STORMTOOLS, CHAMP ANALYSIS, AND MYCOAST (This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $400,000 to the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council for the continuation of STORMTOOLS, CHAMP, and MyCoast.)
JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $400,000 TO THE COASTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT COUNCIL (CRMC) FOR FUNDING OF URI'S COASTAL RESOURCES CENTER (CRC) STORMTOOLS, CHAMP ANALYSIS, AND MYCOAST (This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $400,000 to the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council for the continuation of STORMTOOLS, CHAMP, and MyCoast.)
Requires the coastal resources management council to conduct a review of certain water classifications and existing policies and regulations to properly account for sea level rise.