Rhode Island · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 7991: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- COASTAL RESILIENCE -- NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS FOR EROSION CONTROL, WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, AND EXPEDITED PERMITTING
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 7991 is a bill introduced in the Rhode Island House on February 27, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- COASTAL RESILIENCE -- NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS FOR EROSION CONTROL, WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, AND EXPEDITED PERMITTING. Primary sponsor: Tina Spears (Democratic), Arthur Handy (Democratic), David Bennett (Democratic), Lauren Carson (Democratic), Jennifer Boylan (Democratic), June Speakman (Democratic), Terri Cortvriend (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (March 25, 2026): 03/25/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
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.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 7
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tina Spears | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 36 |
| Arthur Handy | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 18 |
| David Bennett | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 20 |
| Lauren Carson | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 75 |
| Jennifer Boylan | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 66 |
| June Speakman | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 68 |
| Terri Cortvriend | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 72 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- 03/25/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
- 03/20/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/25/2026)
- 03/04/2026 Committee transferred to House Environment and Natural Resources
- 02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections