2019 -- H 5561

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LC001626

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- TRAINING OF ELECTED

OFFICIALS IN THE EVENT OF DISASTER EMERGENCIES

     Introduced By: Representatives Carson, Cortvriend, and Ruggiero

     Date Introduced: February 27, 2019

     Referred To: House Health, Education & Welfare

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 30-15 of the General Laws entitled "Emergency Management" is

hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     30-15-45. Duties and training of elected officials in preparation for disaster

emergencies.

     (a) All state elected officials holding office within the state shall be required to attend a

one-day biennial mandatory training seminar to ensure the ability of the state official(s) to

efficiently and cohesively address issues that arise related to:

     (1) Preparing for a disaster emergency;

     (2) Addressing issues related to the disaster emergency during the occurrence of a

disaster emergency; and

     (3) Addressing issues that arise during recovery after a disaster emergency.

     The training required pursuant to this subsection shall be conducted by individuals

licensed, trained and employed by the Rhode Island emergency management agency (RIEMA) in

coordination and with recommendations and consultation with the Federal Emergency

Management Agency (FEMA).

     (b) All municipal elected officials shall be required to attend a one-day biennial

mandatory training seminar to ensure the ability of the official(s) to efficiently and cohesively

address issues that arise related to:

     (1) Preparing for a disaster emergency;

     (2) Addressing issues related to the disaster emergency during the occurrence of a

disaster emergency; and

     (3) Addressing issues that arise during recovery after a disaster emergency.

     The training required pursuant to this subsection shall be conducted by individuals

licensed, trained and employed by the Rhode Island emergency management agency (RIEMA) in

coordination and with recommendations and consultation with a trained member of the

municipality's emergency management department who shall oversee and collaborate in the

training of city/town council, school board, and any other officials elected in any municipality.

     (c) The training required pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this section shall be

consistent with the comprehensive emergency management plans (CEMP) and include, but not be

limited to, the following:

     (1) General awareness of the process and definition of disaster emergency;

     (2) An overview of types of events constituting disaster emergency;

     (3) Explanation of the structure of decision-making protocol at the state and municipal

levels during a disaster emergency;

     (4) Explanation of the role and identification of first responders;

     (5) A review of the state and municipal emergency plans and how they may best

coordinate;

     (6) A review of state and federal resources available to utilize in the event of a disaster

emergency, including FEMA;

     (7) Explanation and review of communications plans before, during and after a disaster

emergency;

     (8) Discussion of emergency transportation plans, food provision, and public safety plans

during and after a disaster emergency;

     (9) Discussion of the role of the municipal and state police in all phases of a disaster

emergency;

     (10) Identification of statewide emergency operations centers;

     (11) A discussion of the evaluation protocol and implementation of disaster emergency

aftermath procedures and reporting; and

     (12) Any other relevant issues which may arise.

     (d) Mandatory training shall occur biennially and last no longer than one day.

     (e) The director is empowered to enact rules and regulations necessary to carry out the

purposes of this section.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- TRAINING OF ELECTED

OFFICIALS IN THE EVENT OF DISASTER EMERGENCIES

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     This act would require state and municipal elected officials to attend a one-day biennial

training seminar in emergency management for disaster emergencies.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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