R.I Senate passes shoreline access bill

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The state Senate passed a bill Thursday that is meant to establish more recognizable boundaries for public shore access.

The legislation sets the access line to 10 feet landward of the normal high tide line, which is recognizable by seaweed, scum and other deposits.

In addition, the bill exempts owners of shoreline property from liability for the public’s activities in that area.

“The rights of all Rhode Islanders to use the shore are very strong and very old,” bill sponsor Sen. Mark McKenney said. “This bill will establish once and for all a practicable solution to the question of access and preserve one of the most important rights enjoyed by Rhode Islanders.”

Senate spokesman Greg Paré said the right of Rhode Islanders to access the shoreline was written into the state constitution when it was adopted in 1843, and further delineated after the 1986 constitutional convention.

The measure will now be considered in the House of Representatives where by Rep. Terri Cortvriend introduced similar legislation.