AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (Creates an emergency action plan related to the operation of warming and cooling centers during periods of extreme weather and establishes a statewide notification system with the National Weather Service initiating warming/cooling center alerts.)

H7987

2026 -- H 7987
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LC005820
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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A N A C T
RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Introduced By:
Representatives Tanzi, Shanley, McGaw, Potter, Alzate, Boylan,
Speakman, Cortvriend, Batista, and Cruz

Date Introduced:
February 27, 2026

Referred To:
House State Government & Elections
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
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SECTION 1. Chapter 30-15 of the General Laws entitled "Emergency Management" is
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hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
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30-15-48. Warming and cooling center emergency action plans.
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(a) By November 15, 2026, each city and town shall prepare a local emergency action plan
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addressing coordination and communication procedures related to the operation of warming and
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cooling centers during periods of extreme weather. The Rhode Island emergency management
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agency (RIEMA), as established pursuant to the provisions of § 30-15-5, shall develop uniform
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guidelines for the preparation of municipal emergency action plans under this section. The Rhode
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Island executive office of housing established pursuant to the provisions of § 42-167-1 and the
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Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns shall cooperate with RIEMA in developing the
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guidelines.
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(b) All municipal emergency action plans prepared pursuant to this section shall not be
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considered final or complete until approved by RIEMA, with the cooperation of the executive office
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of housing. Upon approval, the municipality shall formally adopt the plan.
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(c) Each local plan shall:
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(1) Identify communication protocols for informing the public during a declared warming
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or cooling center alert including, but not limited to:
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(i) Posting updates on the municipal website, social media channels, and United Way’s 211
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system;

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(ii) Sharing the availability of resources including shelters, warming or cooling centers,
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and community-based support locations.
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(2) Outline coordination procedures with nonprofit partners, volunteer organizations, and
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state agencies for operational support, including:
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(i) Provision of basic comfort items to include blankets, cots, mats, meals, and beverages
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when a shelter or center is open for twenty-four (24) hours or more, with the comfort items to be
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supplied through RIEMA coordination and/or donations.
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(3) Include contact points for municipal departments and agencies, and identify potential
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locations for activation in extreme weather.
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(d) Municipalities may collaborate with neighboring cities or towns, regional agencies,
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nonprofit service providers, or community volunteers to develop and implement emergency action
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plans under this section. Volunteer-led initiatives may be included in municipal plans, provided
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they coordinate with RIEMA and operate under the approved framework.
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(e) Emergency action plans shall be updated every three (3) years, or more frequently if
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required by RIEMA, and filed with the following:
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(1) The Rhode Island emergency management agency;
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(2) The Rhode Island executive office of housing;
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(3) The municipal emergency management director, or designee;
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(4) The chief of the municipal police department.
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(f) RIEMA shall establish a statewide notification system in coordination with the National
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Weather Service to initiate warming or cooling center alerts. The system shall be designed to trigger
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the communication and coordination protocols set forth in municipal emergency action plans.
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SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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LC005820
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LC005820 - Page 2 of 3
EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
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This act would create a local emergency action plan addressing coordination and
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communication procedures related to the operation of warming and cooling centers during periods
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of extreme weather by November 15, 2026, in each city and town in the state. This act would also
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establish a statewide notification system in coordination with the National Weather Service to
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initiate warming or cooling center alerts through RIEMA.
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This act would take effect upon passage.
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LC005820
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LC005820 - Page 3 of 3