2026 -- H 7987

========

LC005820

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

____________

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:

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

hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     30-15-48. Warming and cooling center emergency action plans.

     (a) By November 15, 2026, each city and town shall prepare a local emergency action plan

addressing coordination and communication procedures related to the operation of warming and

cooling centers during periods of extreme weather. The Rhode Island emergency management

agency (RIEMA), as established pursuant to the provisions of § 30-15-5, shall develop uniform

guidelines for the preparation of municipal emergency action plans under this section. The Rhode

Island executive office of housing established pursuant to the provisions of § 42-167-1 and the

Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns shall cooperate with RIEMA in developing the

guidelines.

     (b) All municipal emergency action plans prepared pursuant to this section shall not be

considered final or complete until approved by RIEMA, with the cooperation of the executive office

of housing. Upon approval, the municipality shall formally adopt the plan.

     (c) Each local plan shall:

     (1) Identify communication protocols for informing the public during a declared warming

or cooling center alert including, but not limited to:

     (i) Posting updates on the municipal website, social media channels, and United Way’s 211

system;

     (ii) Sharing the availability of resources including shelters, warming or cooling centers,

and community-based support locations.

     (2) Outline coordination procedures with nonprofit partners, volunteer organizations, and

state agencies for operational support, including:

     (i) Provision of basic comfort items to include blankets, cots, mats, meals, and beverages

when a shelter or center is open for twenty-four (24) hours or more, with the comfort items to be

supplied through RIEMA coordination and/or donations.

     (3) Include contact points for municipal departments and agencies, and identify potential

locations for activation in extreme weather.

     (d) Municipalities may collaborate with neighboring cities or towns, regional agencies,

nonprofit service providers, or community volunteers to develop and implement emergency action

plans under this section. Volunteer-led initiatives may be included in municipal plans, provided

they coordinate with RIEMA and operate under the approved framework.

     (e) Emergency action plans shall be updated every three (3) years, or more frequently if

required by RIEMA, and filed with the following:

     (1) The Rhode Island emergency management agency;

     (2) The Rhode Island executive office of housing;

     (3) The municipal emergency management director, or designee;

     (4) The chief of the municipal police department.

     (f) RIEMA shall establish a statewide notification system in coordination with the National

Weather Service to initiate warming or cooling center alerts. The system shall be designed to trigger

the communication and coordination protocols set forth in municipal emergency action plans.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

========

LC005820

========

LC005820 - Page 2 of 3

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

***

     This act would create a local emergency action plan addressing coordination and

communication procedures related to the operation of warming and cooling centers during periods

of extreme weather by November 15, 2026, in each city and town in the state. This act would also

establish a statewide notification system in coordination with the National Weather Service to

initiate warming or cooling center alerts through RIEMA.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

========

LC005820

========

LC005820 - Page 3 of 3