When I was growing up, I loved going exploring the shoreline and getting sprayed by the waves. I want to make sure we protect and expand public access to the shoreline in RI because our whole community should enjoy it—whether you’re swimming, fishing, or making a living or a home here.
2023 Highlights:
- I put much of my weight behind Senate Bill S-417 and we passed it in June 2023. This is an essential bill because it clarifies the public’s rights under the RI Constitution to enjoyment of the shoreline. The main thing this bill did was designate the public-private boundary of the shoreline at the seaweed line + 10 feet inland.
- In Summer 2023 I worked with CRMC to successfully remove a large No Trespassing sign right next to Charlestown Beach https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/08/24/charlestown-beach-private-property-sign-is-removed-after-controversy/70657881007/
2024 highlights:
- See Providence Journal article for a description of the bills I introduced for shoreline access, along with Representative Terri Cortvriend https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/politics/2024/03/05/how-shoreline-access-rights-could-change-this-year-in-ri/72856498007/
- In 2024, we passed my oceanfront property disclosure bill into law, which requires a disclosure form during the sale of an oceanfront house that states the public’s rights and privileges of the shoreline (according to the RI Constitution) and an explanation of the public-private boundary (seaweed line + 10 feet). This will be an important education tool for people who are coming from out of state to purchase an oceanfront property.
Other Initiatives in 2024:
- Working with the Attorney General and CRMC on guidelines for legal and illegal signage on rights-of-way leading to the water.
- Ensuring that CRMC has adequate funding to enforce signage rules and make sure that public rights of way are clearly marked and accessible. We need YOUR help to advocate for this during the state budget process!
