2021 -- H 6270

========

LC002729

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

____________

A N   A C T

RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- EMERGENCY POLICE POWER

     Introduced By: Representatives Speakman, and Donovan

     Date Introduced: April 28, 2021

     Referred To: House Municipal Government & Housing

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 45-42 of the General Laws entitled "Emergency Police Power" is

hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     45-42-2.1. Nonemergency police power -- Bristol Fourth of July committee.

     (a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, and consistent with the provisions of chapter

40.1 of this title entitled "Interlocal Contracting and Joint Enterprises", the chief of police in the

town of Bristol may enter into an agreement with the chief of police of another city or town, which

is subject to approval by each city or town council by adoption of a resolution in support of it, or

with the director of the department of public safety, which is subject to approval by the director of

the department of administration, by which the Bristol police chief may request that the other city

or town police force, or the department of public safety, provide assistance in a nonemergency

situation for all events sponsored by the Bristol Fourth of July Committee, including all those police

services prescribed by law within any portion of the jurisdiction of the city or town of the chief or

state agency granting the authority.

     (b) The officers responding to the request and agreement shall have the same authority,

powers, duties, privileges and immunities for jurisdictional purposes as a duly appointed police

officer of the town of Bristol.

     (c) All wage and disability payments, pension, workers' compensation claims, medical

expenses or other employment benefits will be the responsibility of the employing agency, unless

the town of Bristol is reimbursed for those costs from any other source. Each agency shall be

responsible for the negligence of its employees to the extent specified by law.

     (d) A copy of any agreement entered into pursuant to this section shall be provided to the

director of the department of public safety.

     (e) The governor shall have the authority to suspend an agreement entered into pursuant to

this section upon a finding that the suspension is in the interest of public safety.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

========

LC002729

========

LC002729 - Page 2 of 3

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- EMERGENCY POLICE POWER

***

     This act would authorize the Bristol police department to enter into an agreement with any

city or town police force, or with the Rhode Island department of public safety, to provide assistance

in a nonemergency situation for police services related exclusively to events sponsored by the

Bristol Fourth of July Committee.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

========

LC002729

========

LC002729 - Page 3 of 3