Save the Bay — Shoreline access, CRMC and land use: The latest House study commissions

Nov 4, 2021

By Topher Hamblett, director of advocacy — During every session of the Rhode Island General Assembly, legislation gets bogged down because of an issue’s complexity or controversy. On occasion, legislative leaders establish “study commissions” to more fully vet issues and generate policy recommendations for the General Assembly. Study commissions are usually chaired by legislators, and typically include members of government agencies as well as subject experts and advocates. The commission members are often presented with information about the topic from professionals in the appropriate field, and also hear testimony from the public.

The 2021 legislative session produced three study commissions, all in the House of Representatives, that focus on issues that directly impact Narragansett Bay. For that reason, House Speaker Joe Shekarchi appointed Save The Bay to serve on each commission. The study commissions began meeting this fall and, as director of advocacy, I represent Save The Bay on all three: 

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