AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- COASTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT COUNCIL

SB 998 reduces the Coastal Resources Management Council from 10 to 7 voting members, effective March 1, 2026. The new structure requires six public members appointed by the governor (with Senate approval), including specific expertise: one engineer, one coastal biologist, and one environmental organization representative, all residing in coastal municipalities. The council’s ex-officio director (from the Department of Environmental Management) remains but isn’t counted toward the seven-member limit. This bill directly affects future council appointments and composition, streamlining governance without altering the council’s environmental management duties. The bill was signed into law on June 30, 2025.