RI H7996

Abolishes the independent Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) and transfers all its powers, duties, and functions to a new Bureau of Coastal Resources Management within the Department of Environmental Management

Creates a deputy director position for the bureau and requires hiring of at least one full-time staff attorney; all current CRMC employees retain their civil service status, titles, pay, and benefits

Establishes a 10-member Community Advisory Board (6 local government officials, 4 public members with coastal policy expertise) to advise on policy initiatives and program improvements, holding public hearings at least twice annually

Defines "environmental justice focus areas" as census tracts meeting criteria including household income below 65% of statewide median, minority population of 40% or more, or 25% or more households lacking English proficiency

Requires the department to submit program changes to NOAA for approval within 90 business days of passage, with the act taking effect upon NOAA's approval of the coastal zone management program amendments