RI S3039

Amends Rhode Island's Coastal Resources Management Council statute to add new legislative findings recognizing property owners' rights to protect against coastal hazards

Creates new Section 46-23-31 allowing property owners within CRMC jurisdiction to take protective measures without prior council approval when addressing threats to human life, public safety, existing structures/infrastructure, or essential land uses

Defines "essential land uses" as existing property uses providing significant economic, recreational, historic, or public benefit value to the owner, the public, or both

Limits the exemption from prior approval to actions reasonably related to protecting identified interests; new development unrelated to hazard protection remains prohibited

Takes effect immediately upon passage