Bill would shield beachgoers from trespass charges in Rhode Island

Under the Rhode Island Constitution, the public has the right to use the whole shoreline. But it does not specify where public rights end and private property restrictions begin.

The proposed legislation specifies that a person is exempt from prosecution or penalty while on sandy or rocky land within 10 feet of the most recent high tide line.

“We’re the Ocean State,” said Rep. Terri Cortvriend (D-Portsmouth), one of the nine House members who introduced the bill Feb. 10. “If it's in our Constitution, it just makes total sense to me. It just seems like the right thing.”

By establishing a protected area beyond the high tide line, the newly introduced legislation could settle ongoing disputes between property owners and people exercising their rights to the shore.

Read more: https://thepublicsradio.org/article/bill-would-shield-beachgoers-from-trespass-charges-in-ri