Leader Chippendale: 2026 H7915 - RI Freshwater Lake Mgmt. Program - State Gov & Elections (4726)
On April 7, 2026, House Minority Leader Michael W. Chippendale (R District 40 - Coventry, Foster, Glocester) provided comprehensive testimony before the House Committee on State Government and Elections in support of 2026 House Bill 7915.
This legislation seeks to establish a sustainable, dedicated funding mechanism for Rhode Island's Freshwater Lake Management Program. Drafted in direct response to urgent concerns from the state's sporting, fishing, and recreational communities, the bill addresses the severe ecological and infrastructural threats posed by invasive aquatic species to local freshwater bodies and critical drinking water supplies, such as the Scituate Reservoir.
To facilitate proactive environmental stewardship, H 7915 proposes a nominal $2.50 user-based assessment on boat registrations. During his testimony, Leader Chippendale emphasized that this targeted, constituent-driven solution mirrors successful conservation funding models already implemented in several other states.
House Bill No. 7915
BY Chippendale, Place, Santucci, Cotter, Handy, Carson, Tanzi, Noret, Bennett, Edwards
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- REGULATION OF BOATS (Authorizes the collection of a small additional fee, in addition to the registration fee paid by motorboat owners, to be deposited in a restricted account, in order to fund the newly established freshwater lake management program.)
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» http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7915.pdf
House Minority Leader Michael W. Chippendale
» https://www.rihousegop.org/leaderchippendale.html
Rhode Island House Republicans
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