AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND COMMERCE CORPORATION

HB 7235 clarifies that Rhode Island's General Assembly retains exclusive authority to approve or deny nuclear plant construction projects, explicitly reserving this power despite other state or local laws. The bill amends Section 42-64-14.1 of the General Laws to maintain legislative oversight for nuclear plant projects, ensuring they require direct General Assembly approval rather than relying on other regulatory processes. This change directly affects developers seeking to build nuclear facilities in Rhode Island, as they must now obtain specific legislative approval before construction. The bill does not eliminate the approval requirement but formally reinforces the General Assembly’s jurisdiction over such projects. The measure is currently pending further study after committee consideration.