HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE REPORTING AND EXPIRATION DATES, AND AMENDING THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE SPECIAL HOUSE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE FINDINGS AND POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS TO ADDRESS THE FLOODING OF THE PAWTUXET RIVER (Amends and increase the membership of the commission to address flooding of the Pawtuxet River from eleven (11) to thirteen (13), and would extend the reporting date from March 2, 2026, to March 5, 2027, and expire on June 2, 2027.)

Plain-English Summary

This resolution makes changes to an existing Rhode Island House commission that was created to study flooding problems along the Pawtuxet River. The Pawtuxet River flows through several communities in Rhode Island and has historically caused significant flooding damage to homes and businesses in the area. The commission was originally established to research the causes of this flooding and recommend possible solutions.

The resolution does three main things: First, it adds two new members to the commission, expanding it from 11 to 13 members total, which may bring in additional expertise or representation. Second, it pushes back the deadline for the commission to deliver its findings and recommendations from March 2026 to March 2027, giving members more time to complete their research. Third, it extends the commission's official end date from an earlier deadline to June 2, 2027, after which the commission would dissolve.

This measure primarily affects residents and property owners in communities along the Pawtuxet River who deal with flooding issues, as well as the commission members themselves. For affected residents, the extension means it will take longer before official recommendations are made — but it also suggests the commission wants more time to develop thorough, well-researched solutions. The House passed the resolution with a floor amendment in early 2026.