Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H6186

Introduced
4/4/25  

Caption

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A TASK FORCE TO STUDY AND DEFINE THE TERM "HOUSEBOAT" (Authorizes the creation of a special Task Force to study and define the term "houseboat" in consideration of existing definitions under current law.)

Impact

The establishment of this task force is intended to ensure that all relevant stakeholders, including legislative representatives, municipal harbor commissions, and federal entities like the United States Coast Guard, are involved in developing a standardized definition that can facilitate better governance and regulatory oversight. This consistency is seen as vital for environmental protection efforts and for addressing various legal questions surrounding the status of houseboats in Rhode Island waters.

Summary

House Bill H6186 proposes the creation of a task force aimed at studying and defining the term 'houseboat'. Currently, various statutory and regulatory bodies within the state of Rhode Island, including the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC), provide differing definitions and frameworks for houseboats and similar floating structures. The bill addresses the need for a unified approach to definition, recognition, and oversight of these vessels across state laws.

Contention

While this resolution aims to create a more coherent framework for houseboats, there may be points of contention among stakeholders regarding how regulations will adapt to this standardized definition. Potential debates may arise about the implications for existing houseboat owners, local harbor management practices, and the overall legal interpretation of vessels vs. homes. Additionally, varying interests may influence how definitions are crafted, potentially leading to conflicts between the desire for regulatory uniformity and local governance autonomy.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5367

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE MANNER IN WHICH HEALTH INSURANCE, DISABILITY INSURANCE, UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE, RETIREMENT PLANS AND OTHER TRADITIONAL EMPLOYER PROVIDED BENEFITS ARE ACCORDED TO UBER AND LYFT DRIVERS, SELF EMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS, AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS ENGAGED IN PROVIDING SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC (Creates a 5 member commission to study the way insurance plans and traditional employer provided benefits are given to Uber and Lyft drivers, and others providing services to the public, and would report by January 5, 2026, and expire March 5, 20206.)

RI H6156

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN IN STATE CARE

RI H5131

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS TO ADDRESS CONCERNS IN THE DELIVERY OF HEALTHCARE TO INMATES AND INDIVIDUALS AWAITING TRIAL IN THE CUSTODY OF THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS (RIDOC) (Creates a 9 member commission to study and make recommendations on the delivery of healthcare services at RIDOC, and who reports back to the House no later than January 5, 2026, and whose life would expire on March 5, 2026.)

RI H5847

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE FINDINGS AND POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS TO ADDRESS THE FLOODING OF THE PAWTUXET RIVER (Creates an 11-member commission to study and provide recommendations and potential solutions to address the flooding of the Pawtuxet River, and who would report back by January 2, 2026, and would expire on March 2, 2026.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.