2021 -- H 5863

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LC001146

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

     

     Introduced By: Representatives McLaughlin, Hull, and Chippendale

     Date Introduced: February 24, 2021

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     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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     30-15-9.1. Duties of general assembly relating to disaster emergencies.

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     The general assembly shall be responsible to respond to a state of emergency issued by the

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governor pursuant to ยง 30-15-9 in the following manner:

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     (1) With regard to any emergency declaration made by the governor which is extended

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under the provisions of this chapter the general assembly shall convene within the thirty (30) days

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of the expiration of the first emergency declaration;

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     (2) Pursuant to the powers conferred by this section the house of representatives and the

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senate may conduct meetings and hearings virtually by electronic means if the interests of public

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safety require.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC001146

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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 mandate that the general assembly convene within thirty (30) days after the

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first extension of a declared state of emergency by the governor pursuant to his or her emergency

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powers. It would also authorize the general assembly to utilize electronic means to conduct

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meetings and hearings virtually in the event there is a danger to public safety.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC001146

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