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SB 2264

AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 4 co-sponsors

Rhode Island will require municipalities to issue warming and cooling center alerts, coordinating 24/7 shelters and resources during extreme temperatures based on weather forecasts

05/08/2026 Referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
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Bill Summary · SB 2264

Summary of SB 2264 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Title

AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Purpose and Intent

  • Establishes formal “warming center alerts” and “cooling center alerts” to guide municipalities in providing shelter and services for at-risk individuals during extreme cold or heat.
  • Aims to coordinate state and local efforts, improve information sharing, and ensure access to emergency shelter and related resources during alert periods.

Key Provisions

1) Warming Center Alert (Section 30-15-46)

  • Definitions:
    • At-risk individual: someone living outdoors or in poorly insulated settings who is at risk of exposure or death.
    • Director: Director of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency.
    • Local governing body: City or town councils.
  • Plan and Coordination:
    • Municipalities must develop a warming center alert plan to share information with other municipalities, social service agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
    • The plan includes coordinating with municipal emergency management coordinators in areas with a documented homeless population of at least 10, per the latest Point-In-Time Count.
    • Coordination responsibilities may be carried out by public safety, municipal employees, or designated volunteers; volunteers operate autonomously but with state coordination.
    • Information sharing via Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency website, local media, social media, and United Way’s 211.
  • Trigger (Declaration of Alert):
    • The Director declares a warming center alert based on National Weather Service forecasts predicting:
    • Temperatures at 36°F or below for 24–48 hours, or
    • Wind chill of 36°F or less for 2+ hours in the specified city/town.
  • Operations During Alert:
    • Shelters open 24/7.
    • Public communications about available resources (shelters, warming centers, etc.) via town websites, social media, and 211.
    • When centers are open 24+ hours, provide blankets, cots, mats, meals, and beverages.
  • Funding and Access:
    • Municipalities receiving state or federal funding to operate shelters must keep them open 24/7 during the alert.
  • Regional Collaboration:
    • Non-hot-spot municipalities may collaborate with neighboring towns to operate regional warming centers to meet requirements.

2) Cooling Center Alert (Section 30-15-47)

  • Definitions mirror the warming center section for at-risk individuals, director, and local governing bodies.
  • Plan and Coordination:
    • Similar to warming centers, with plans to issue cooling center alerts and coordinate information sharing (web, media, 211) and with municipal coordinators in areas with homeless populations of at least 10.
    • May be carried out by designated volunteer organizations; volunteers operate autonomously but in response to alerts.
  • Trigger (Declaration of Alert):
    • The Director declares a cooling center alert based on NWS forecasts predicting:
    • A daily high heat index of 95–99°F for at least two consecutive days, or
    • A daily high of 100°F or a heat index of 100°F for any length of time.
  • Operations During Alert:
    • Cooling centers open 24/7.
    • Public updates about resources via town websites, social media, and 211.
    • When centers are open 24/7, provide blankets, cots, mats, meals, and beverages.
  • Funding and Access:
    • Municipalities receiving funding must keep shelters/cooling centers open 24/7 during the alert.
  • Regional Collaboration:
    • Non-hot-spot municipalities may collaborate with neighboring towns to operate regional cooling centers to meet requirements.

3) Implementation and Effective Date

  • Effective upon passage of the act.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Cities and towns (local governing bodies) across Rhode Island.
  • Municipal emergency management offices and coordinators.
  • Public safety personnel, municipal employees, designated volunteers, and volunteer organizations involved in warming/cooling center operations.
  • At-risk individuals (especially those experiencing homelessness) who rely on shelters or centers during extreme weather events.
  • Organizations receiving state or federal funding for shelters or centers.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Alerts are triggered by weather forecasts (NWS) with 24–48 hour notice for cold, and similar lead times for heat.
  • Alert plans must be in place prior to implementation (established by the plan required in sections 30-15-46 and 30-15-47).
  • Implementation season for warming centers is typically November 1 through April 15 (as stated in warming center plan provisions).
  • The act takes effect immediately upon passage.

Notes

  • Emphasizes coordination with the United Way 211 information line and local media to disseminate resources.
  • Encourages regional collaboration to optimize resource use and ensure 24/7 access during alerts.
  • Uses the Point-In-Time Count to identify municipalities with larger homeless populations for targeted coordination.

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

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