Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H6186

Introduced

4/4/25

Refer

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 H7892

Permits towns and cities to regulate all houseboats within their jurisdiction.

RI S2629

Permits towns and cities to regulate all houseboats within their jurisdiction.

RI H5935

House Resolution Creating A Special Affirmative Action Legislative Task Force To Develop A Plan To Increase Diversity On Projects Covered By The State Prevailing Wage Rate Law (creates A Eleven (11) Member Affirmative Action Legislative Special Task Force To Study And Provide Recommendations To Increase Diversity On Projects Covered By The State Prevailing Wage Rate Law, And Who Would Report Back To The House Of Representatives)

RI S0620

Joint Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Task Force To Improve The Long-term Outcomes And Reduce Recidivism Of Females Within The Criminal Justice Population (creates A 19 Member Task Force Whose Purpose It Would Be To Improve Outcomes And Reduce Recidivism Of Females In The Criminal Justice System, And Who Would Report Back By February 5, 2024, And Expire On April 5, 2024.)

RI H6163

RI H7731

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A LEGISLATIVE STUDY COMMISSION ON CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS AND SOLUTIONS (Creates a 17 member commission to study the issues confronting the State due to climate change, and who would report back to the House by May 14, 2025, and expire on June 18, 2025.)

RI H6496

Joint Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations On The Issues Relating To The Reduced Catch Of Quahogs In Narragansett Bay (creates A 13 Member Joint Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations On The Issues Relating To The Reduced Catch Of Quahogs In Narragansett Bay, And Who Would Report Back To The General Assembly By May 31, 2024, And Expire On June 30, 2024.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.