HB403 Summary

• Defines "living shoreline" as shoreline restoration techniques including native vegetation planting, wave attenuation structures, fill material placement, and similar methods that allow natural coastal processes to continue.

• Authorizes riparian property owners in coastal areas to dredge sand and source sediment from their property or immediately adjacent property (with consent) without charge or fee from the State Lands Division or Department of Environmental Management.

• Requires dredged materials to be used for living shoreline construction in front of the property owner's riparian property to reduce erosion, restore wildlife and fish habitat, and increase coastal infrastructure resiliency.

• Clarifies the bill does not affect title to state-owned submerged lands and does not repeal other existing laws.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.