H5037

	2023 -- H 5037
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	LC000455
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	STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
	IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
	JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023
	____________
	A N A C T
	RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE -- AQUACULTURE

	Introduced By: Representatives Edwards, Abney, and Cortvriend
	Date Introduced: January 11, 2023
	Referred To: House Environment and Natural Resources
	It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
1	SECTION 1. Chapter 20-10 of the General Laws entitled "Aquaculture" is hereby amended
2	by adding thereto the following section:
3	20-10-6.1. Sakonnet River area leases - Pilot program.
4	(a) Beginning on July 1, 2023, and for a period of two (2) years, all leases related to the
5	Sakonnet River area granted pursuant to the provisions of § 20-10-6 shall be sited not less than one
6	thousand feet (1,000'.) from the median high tide line. For purposes of this section, the Sakonnet
7	River area shall be described as that river that extends northward from Rhode Island Sound to
8	Mount Hope Bay, passing along the east side of Aquidneck Island. The coastal resources
9	management council (CRMC) shall promulgate rules which delineate and define the exact
10	boundaries of the Sakonnet River area.
11	(b) On July 1, 2023, any oyster farm operation in existence and located within the one
12	thousand-foot (1,000') area shall be exempt from the restrictions contained in subsection (a) of this
13	section.
14	(c) Unless renewed by the general assembly, the provisions of this section shall sunset and
15	expire on July 1, 2025.
16	SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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	LC000455
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	EXPLANATION
	BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
	OF
	A N A C T
	RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE -- AQUACULTURE
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1	This act would require all aquaculture leases in the Sakonnet river area, granted by the
2	coastal resources management council (CRMC), to be located at least one thousand feet (1000')
3	from the median high tide line. Oyster farms in operation within the one thousand-foot (1,000') area
4	on July 1, 2023, would be exempt. This restriction would expire on July 1, 2025, unless renewed
5	by the general assembly.
6	This act would take effect upon passage.
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	LC000455
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	LC000455 - Page 2 of 2