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:

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

hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

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

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

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

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

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

of the expiration of the first emergency declaration;

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

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

safety require.

     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

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

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

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

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC001146

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