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SB 2601

AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- FACILITATING BUSINESS RAPID RESPONSE TO STATE DECLARED DISASTER ACT OF 2024

2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Burke and 2 co-sponsors

The act expands rapid disaster-response powers to protect critical infrastructure, streamline approvals, and allow zoning relief during declared disasters.

06/18/2026 Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · SB 2601

Overview

SB 2601 ( substitute A ), 2026, Rhode Island. An Act relating to Businesses and Professions — Facilitating Business Rapid Response to State Declared Disaster Act of 2024. The measure aims to broaden and streamline disaster-response provisions related to critical infrastructure, regulated metals, public utilities, zoning variances, and related enforcement. It takes effect January 1, 2027.

Purpose and Intent

  • Facilitate rapid business response to state- and federally-declared disasters.
  • Expand definitions and authority to protect critical infrastructure and support rapid repair, restoration, and procurement activities during disaster periods.
  • Allow municipalities to provide targeted zoning relief to safeguard critical infrastructure from vandalism, theft, or climate/disaster-related risks.

Key Provisions and Changes

Section 1 — Definitions (5-94-2 amendments)

  • Clarifies and expands terms used in the Disaster Act:
    • Critical infrastructure includes communications networks, gas/electric distribution, water pipelines, railways, public roads and bridges, and related facilities and property.
    • Defines “Declared state disaster or emergency” (governor’s proclamation or federal major disaster/emergency).
    • Defines “Disaster or emergency-related work” as activities repairing or supporting critical infrastructure damaged or lost during the disaster.
    • Defines “Disaster period” as within 10 days after proclamation/declaration start and lasting 60 days after the end of the disaster/emergency period.
    • Expands the notion of “Out-of-state business” and “Out-of-state employee” to include disaster-related work; emphasizes lack of prior state presence except for disaster-related work during the prior tax year.
    • Reiterates “Registered business in the state.”

Section 2 — Purchase and Sale of Regulated Metals (6-11.2 series amendments)

  • Updates definitions related to regulated metals properties, public property, and secondary metals recyclers to include:
    • Electronic Reporting System for transactions (6-11.2-2 definitions).
    • Public property categories (e.g., manhole covers, signs, street light poles, guardrails, memorial markers, beer kegs).
    • Regulated metals property and secondary metals recycler definitions.
  • Maintains requirements for payment methods and mandatory dealer notification to police prior to payment.
  • Reinforces holding period (three days) and handling requirements for certain metals (e.g., statues, grave markers, materials identified with utility ownership markings).

Section 3 — Public Utilities Injuries (11-35-4)

  • Restates criminal penalties for injuring electricity generation equipment and related infrastructure, ensuring broader protection of lines and related apparatus. Provides maximum penalties (up to $3,000 fine and up to 2 years imprisonment) and clarifies consent protections.

Section 4 — Zoning Variances (45-24-41)

  • Enhances procedures and standards for variances, including:
    • Process timing for planning and zoning boards with required notices (newspaper and mail).
    • Public hearing timelines and posting requirements.
    • Standards for granting variances (hardship must be unique to the land/structure, not due to applicant’s disability, prior actions, or mere economic gain).
    • Additional standards for use and dimensional variances, especially where relief is necessary for certain uses.
    • Authority for municipalities to grant variances or other relief to protect critical infrastructure under risk of vandalism, trespass, theft, or climate-related disaster.

Affected Parties

  • Registered businesses in Rhode Island, including out-of-state entities performing disaster-related work in-state.
  • Public utilities and infrastructure operators.
  • Municipal zoning boards and planning boards.
  • Law enforcement (police) for regulation of metals and theft-related provisions.
  • Critical infrastructure operators (communications, utilities, transportation, and related facilities).
  • Property owners seeking variances for protection of critical infrastructure.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective date: January 1, 2027.
  • Disaster-related provisions activate during a “Disaster period” (10 days after proclamation/declaration start, lasting 60 days after the end of the disaster period).
  • Zoning variance provisions impose explicit timelines for board actions, hearing notices, and published/mailed notice requirements.
  • Substantive changes to definitions and obligations apply prospectively once the act takes effect.

Notes

  • The Explanatory text indicates the act would incorporate wireless/cable/broadband aspects into the crime of injuring electric/communication lines and expand protection for wireless infrastructure within critical infrastructure definitions.
  • Sponsors: Senators LaMountain, Burke, and Felag; Co-sponsors include Matt LaMountain, John Burke, and Walter Felag.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with the current law to highlight every substantive delta.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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