HB 1079 (McFarland) provides that only coastal counties and municipalities that have received authorization from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) prior to December 1, 2023, may establish coastal construction zoning and building codes and exceptions thereto in lieu of state coastal construction regulations. The bill prohibits DEP from delegating authority for certain coastal permits to coastal counties and municipalities that did not receive such authorization prior to December 1, 2023. In addition, the bill authorizes DEP to award grants to coastal counties for saltwater intrusion vulnerability assessments and specifies requirements for such assessments. (O’Hara)