Rhode Island Emergency Management Act (State of Rhode Island General Laws: Title 30 Military Affairs and Defense; Chapter 30-15)

SECTION 30-15-1

§ 30-15-1. Short title. This chapter may be cited as the "Rhode Island Emergency Management Act". History of Section. (P.L. 1973, ch. 67, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 170, § 2.)

§ 30-15-2. Purposes of provisions. The purposes of this chapter are: (1) To reduce vulnerability of people and communities of this state to damage, injury, and loss of life and property resulting from natural or man-made catastrophes, riots, or hostile military or paramilitary action or acts of bioterrorism; (2) To prepare for prompt and efficient rescue, care, and treatment of persons victimized or threatened by disaster; (3) To provide a setting conducive to the rapid and orderly start of restoration and rehabilitation of persons and property affected by disasters; (4) To clarify and strengthen the roles of the governor, state agencies, and local governments in prevention of, preparation for, and response to and recovery from disasters; (5) To authorize and provide for cooperation in disaster prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery; 1 (6) To authorize and provide for coordination of activities relating to disaster prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery by agencies and officers of this state, and similar state-local, interstate, federal-state, and foreign activities in which the state and its political subdivisions may participate; (7) To provide a disaster management system embodying all four (4) phases of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. (8) [Deleted by P.L. 2000, ch. 170, § 2]; (9) To prepare for emergency health threats, including those caused by acts of bioterrorism, that require the exercise of extraordinary government functions; (10) To provide the state with the ability to respond rapidly and effectively to potential or actual public health emergencies or disaster emergencies. History of Section. (P.L. 1973, ch. 67, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 170, § 2; P.L. 2003, ch. 185, § 4; P.L. 2003, ch. 189, § 4; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 38.)

§ 30-15-3. Definitions. As used in this chapter: (1) "Bioterrorism" means the intentional use of any microorganism, virus, infectious substance or biological product that may be engineered as a result of biotechnology or any naturally occurring or bioengineered component of any such microorganism, virus, infectious substance, or biological product, to cause death, disease, or other biological malfunction in a human, an animal, a plant or other living organism; (2) "Disaster" means occurrence or imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property resulting from any natural or man-made cause, including, but not limited to: (i) Fire; (ii) Flood; (iii) Earthquake; (iv) Wind, storm, wave action, oil spill, or other water contamination requiring emergency action to avert danger or damage; 2 (v) Volcanic activity; (vi) Epidemic; (vii) Air contamination; (viii) Blight; (ix) Drought; (x) Infestation; (xi) Explosion; (xii) Riots; (xiii) Hostile military or paramilitary action; (xiv) Endangerment of the health, safety, or resources of the people of the state; (xv) Acts of bioterrorism; (3) "Political subdivision" means any city or town in Rhode Island; and (4) "Unorganized militia" means all able-bodied persons between the ages of sixteen (16) and fifty (50) years. History of Section. (P.L. 1973, ch. 67, § 2; P.L. 1974, ch. 146, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 170, § 2; P.L. 2003, ch. 185, § 4; P.L. 2003, ch. 189, § 4.)

§ 30-15-4. Limitations. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed: (1) To interfere with the course or conduct of a labor dispute except that actions otherwise authorized by this chapter or other laws may be taken when necessary to forestall or mitigate imminent or existing danger to public health or safety; (2) To interfere with dissemination of news or comment on public affairs; but any communications facility or organization (including, but not limited to, radio or television stations, wire services, and newspapers) may be required to transmit or print 3 public service messages furnishing information or instructions in connection with a disaster emergency; (3) To affect the jurisdiction or responsibilities of police forces, firefighting forces, or units of the armed forces of the United States, or of any personnel thereof, when on active duty; but state and local disaster emergency plans shall place reliance upon the forces available for performance of functions related to disaster emergencies; or (4) To limit, modify, or abridge the authority of the governor to proclaim martial law or exercise any other powers vested in the governor under the constitution, statutes, or common law of this state independent of, or in conjunction with, any provisions of this chapter. History of Section. (P.L. 1973, ch. 67, § 2.)

§ 30-15-5. Emergency management preparedness agency created – Personnel – Facilities. (a) There is hereby created within the executive department, the Rhode Island emergency management agency (hereinafter in this chapter called the "agency"), to be headed by a director, who shall be appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the governor and who shall be in the unclassified service. (b) The director may employ such technical, clerical, stenographic, and other personnel, all of whom shall be in the classified service, and may make such expenditures within the appropriation therefor, or from other funds made available for the purposes of this chapter, as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter, consistent with other applicable provisions of law. (c) The agency may provide itself with appropriate office space, furniture, equipment, supplies, stationery, and printing. (d) The director, subject to the direction and control of the governor, shall be the head of the agency, and shall be responsible to the governor for carrying out the program for disaster preparedness of this state. The director shall coordinate the activities of all organizations for disasters within the state and shall maintain liaison with and cooperate with disaster agencies and organizations of other states and of the federal government. The director shall have such additional authority, duties, and responsibilities authorized by this chapter as may be prescribed by the governor. 4 (e) Wherever in the general or public laws, or any rule or regulation, any reference to the "executive director" shall appear, it shall be deemed to mean and shall mean "the director." History of Section. (P.L. 1973, ch. 67, § 2; P.L. 1996, ch. 100, ch. 41, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 170, § 2; P.L. 2014, ch. 145, art. 14, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 52, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 53, § 1.)

§ 30-15-6. Advisory council. (a) There is hereby created the Rhode Island emergency management advisory council (hereinafter in this chapter called the "council"). The council will consist of thirty- eight (38) members as follows: (1) Twenty-three (23) ex officio members as follows: (i) The lieutenant governor or designee; (ii) The adjutant general or designee; (iii) The director of the department of administration or designee; (iv) The director of the department of health or designee; (v) The director of transportation or designee; (vi) The director of human services or designee; (vii) The director of the department of public safety or designee; (viii) The administrator of the division of public utilities and carriers or designee; (ix) The director of the department of environmental management or designee; (x) The director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals or designee; (xi) [Deleted by P.L. 2017, ch. 84, § 1 and P.L. 2017, ch. 86, § 1]; (xii) [Deleted by P.L. 2017, ch. 84, § 1 and P.L. 2017, ch. 86, § 1]; (xiii) The chairperson of the governor's commission on disabilities or designee; 5 (xiv) The chairperson of the Rhode Island public transit authority or designee; (xv) The executive director of the coastal resources management council or designee; (xvi) The executive director of the American Red Cross, Rhode Island chapter, or designee; (xvii) The director of the Rhode Island emergency management agency or designee; (xviii) The state court administrator or designee; (xix) The executive director of the commission on the deaf and hard of hearing or designee; (xx) The director of the Providence emergency management agency or designee; (xxi) The executive director of the E-911 emergency telephone system division or designee; (xxii) [Deleted by P.L. 2017, ch. 84, § 1 and P.L. 2017, ch. 86, § 1]; (xxiii) The secretary of the executive office of health and human services or designee; (xxiv) The president of the Rhode Island Association of Emergency Managers or designee; (xxv) The president of the United Way of Rhode Island or designee; and (xxvi) The executive director of the Rhode Island commission for national and community services or designee. (2) Fifteen (15) members appointed by, and serving at the pleasure of, the governor, as follows: (i) Two (2) members of the senate, recommended by the president of the senate, not more than one of whom shall be from the same political party; (ii) Two (2) members of the house of representatives, recommended by the speaker of the house, not more than one of whom shall be from the same political party; (iii) One representative of the gas and electric industry; (iv) [Deleted by P.L. 2017, ch. 84, § 1 and P.L. 2017, ch. 86, § 1]; 6 (v) One representative of the telephone industry; (vi) [Deleted by P.L. 2017, ch. 84, § 1 and P.L. 2017, ch. 86, § 1]; (vii) Two (2) representatives of the general public, one of whom shall have expertise in disaster preparedness; (viii) One representative of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns; (ix) One representative of the media; (x) One representative of the water supply industry; (xi) One representative of the health care industry; (xii) One representative of the Rhode Island State Association of Firefighters; (xiii) One representative of the Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs; and (xiv) [Deleted by P.L. 2017, ch. 84, § 1 and P.L. 2017, ch. 86, § 1]; (xv) [Deleted by P.L. 2017, ch. 84, § 1 and P.L. 2017, ch. 86, § 1]; (xvi) One representative of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association. (b) It shall be the duty of the council to advise the governor and the director of the Rhode Island emergency management agency on all matters pertaining to disaster preparedness. The lieutenant governor shall serve as chairperson of the council and the director of the Rhode Island emergency management agency shall serve as vice- chairperson. A quorum shall consist of twelve (12) members of the council. In providing advice to the governor and the director, the council shall, among other matters reasonably related to its authority, do the following: (1) Establish a regular meeting schedule and form subcommittees as may be appropriate; (2) Review emergency management plans and other matters as may be acted upon or otherwise provided for in this chapter; (3) Establish priorities and goals on emergency management matters on an annual basis; 7 (4) Study emergency management plans in conjunction with the director of the Rhode Island emergency management agency, and otherwise conduct such other studies as may be deemed appropriate; (5) Review the coordination of the state's emergency management programs with appropriate authorized agencies and conduct studies on the programs as may be necessary; (6) Review the plans and operations of the various cities and towns in disaster preparedness in conjunction with the director of the Rhode Island emergency management agency and his or her office as required or necessary; and (7) [Deleted by P.L. 2000, ch. 170, § 2]; (8) Provide an annual report on its activities in conjunction with the director. History of Section. (P.L. 1973, ch. 67, § 2; P.L. 1980, ch. 226, § 8; P.L. 1981, ch. 124, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 77, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 63, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 41, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 150, § 7; P.L. 2000, ch. 170, § 2; P.L. 2003, ch. 185, § 4; P.L. 2003, ch. 189, § 4; P.L. 2007, ch. 337, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 342, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 410, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 450, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 289, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 319, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 145, art. 14, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 52, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 53, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 84, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 86, § 1.)

§ 30-15-7. Governor's general powers. The governor shall be responsible for carrying out the provisions of this chapter and shall be primarily responsible for emergency management in the state. Aside from powers granted to the governor elsewhere, the governor is hereby specifically authorized to: (1) Issue executive orders, proclamations, and regulations and amend or rescind them. Executive orders, proclamations, and regulations, for the purposes of this chapter, have the force and effect of law; (2) Cooperate with the federal authorities and with the governors and/or officials of the other states in matters pertaining to the common disaster preparedness of the states and nation, and in exercising the powers under this chapter, the governor shall avoid duplications of, and conflicts with, the efforts of the federal authorities acting within their proper spheres; 8 (3) Consider on a continuing basis steps that could be taken to prevent or reduce the harmful consequences of disasters. At the governor's direction, and pursuant to any other authority they now have, state agencies, including, but not limited to, those that are or may be charged with responsibilities in connection with flood plain management, stream encroachment and flow regulation, weather modification, fire prevention and control, air quality, public works, land use and land-use planning, and construction standards, shall make studies of disaster-prevention-related matters. The governor, from time to time, shall make recommendations to the general assembly, local governments, and other appropriate public and private entities as may facilitate measures for mitigation of the harmful consequences of disasters; (4) Prepare a comprehensive plan and program for disasters (including response and recovery) in the state, the plan and program to be integrated into, and coordinated with, the response and disaster plans of other states to the fullest possible extent, and coordinate the preparation of plans and programs for disasters by the political subdivisions of the state, such plans to be integrated into, and coordinated with the state disaster plan and program to the fullest possible extent; (5) In accordance with the plans and programs for disasters in the state, procure supplies and equipment, to institute training programs and public information programs, and to take all other preparatory steps, including the partial or full mobilization of disaster organizations in advance of actual disaster, to ensure the furnishing of adequately trained and equipped forces of disaster personnel in time of need; (6) Delegate any administrative authority vested in the governor under this chapter and provide for the subsequent delegation of that authority; and (7) Do all other things necessary to ensure adequate preparation for disasters in the state, not inconsistent with other provisions of law. History of Section. (P.L. 1973, ch. 67, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 170, § 2; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 38.)

§ 30-15-8. Mobile support units. (a) The governor, or the governor's duly designated representative, is authorized to create and establish any number of mobile support units that may be necessary to reinforce disaster organizations in stricken areas with due consideration of the plans of the federal government and of other states. Mobile support units shall be called to 9 duty upon orders of the governor and shall perform their functions in any part of the state or, upon the conditions specified in this section, in other states. (b)(1) Personnel of mobile support units while on duty, whether within or without the state, shall: (i) If they are employees of the state, have the powers, duties, rights, privileges, and immunities and receive the compensation incidental to their employment; (ii) If they are employees of a political subdivision of the state, and whether serving within or without the political subdivision, have the powers, duties, rights, privileges, and immunities and receive the compensation incidental to their employment; and (iii) If they are not employees of the state or a political subdivision thereof, be entitled to compensation by the state at a rate equivalent to the rate of compensation paid to jurors in state courts, and to the same rights and immunities as are provided by law for the employees of this state. (2) All personnel of mobile support units shall, while on duty, be subject to the operational control of the authority in charge of disaster activities in the area in which they are serving, and shall be reimbursed for all actual and necessary travel and subsistence expenses as if they were temporary state employees. (c) The state shall reimburse a political subdivision for the compensation paid and actual and necessary travel, subsistence, and maintenance expenses of the employees of a political subdivision while serving as members of a mobile support unit; and for all payments for death, disability, or injury of those employees incurred in the course of such duty; and for all losses of, or damage to, supplies and equipment of such political subdivision resulting from the operation of that mobile support unit. History of Section. (P.L. 1973, ch. 67, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 170, § 2.)

§ 30-15-9. Governor's responsibilities relating to disaster emergencies. (a) The governor shall be responsible for meeting the dangers to the state and people presented by disasters. (b) A state of emergency shall be declared by executive order or proclamation of the governor if he or she finds a disaster has occurred or that this occurrence, or the threat thereof, is imminent. The state of disaster emergency shall continue until the governor finds that the threat or danger has passed or the disaster has been dealt with to the 10 extent that emergency conditions no longer exist and terminates the state of disaster emergency by executive order or proclamation, but no state of disaster emergency may continue for longer than thirty (30) days unless renewed by the governor. The general assembly, by concurrent resolution, may terminate a state of disaster emergency at any time. Thereupon, the governor shall issue an executive order or proclamation ending the state of disaster emergency and what actions are being taken to control the emergency and what action the public should take to protect themselves. All executive orders or proclamations issued under this subsection shall indicate the nature of the disaster, the area or areas threatened, and the conditions that have brought it about or that make possible termination of the state of disaster emergency. An executive order or proclamation shall be disseminated promptly by means calculated to bring its contents to the attention of the general public and, unless the circumstances attendant upon the disaster prevent or impede, promptly filed with the agency, the secretary of state, and the city and town clerks in the area to which it applies. (c) An executive order or proclamation of a state of disaster emergency, shall activate the state and local disaster emergency plans applicable to the political subdivision or area in question and shall be authority for the deployment and use of any forces to which the plan or plans apply and for the use or distribution of any supplies, equipment, and materials and facilities assembled, stockpiled, or arranged to be made available pursuant to this chapter or any other provision of law relating to disaster emergencies. (d) During the continuance of any state of disaster emergency the governor is commander-in-chief of the organized and unorganized militia and of all other forces available for emergency duty. To the greatest extent practicable, the governor shall delegate or assign command authority by prior arrangement embodied in appropriate executive orders or regulations, but nothing herein restricts the governor's authority to do so by orders issued at the time of the disaster emergency. (e) In addition to any other powers conferred upon the governor by law, the governor may exercise the following powers, limited in scope and duration as is reasonably necessary for emergency response: (1) Suspend the provisions of any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business, or the orders, rules, or regulations of any state agency, if strict compliance with the provisions of any statute, order, rule, or regulation would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with the emergency, provided that the suspension of any statute, order, rule or regulation will be limited in duration and scope to the emergency action requiring said suspension; 11 (2) Utilize all available resources of the state government as reasonably necessary to cope with the disaster emergency and of each political subdivision of the state; (3) Transfer the direction, personnel, or functions of state departments and agencies or units thereof for the purpose of performing or facilitating emergency services; (4) Subject to any applicable requirements for compensation under § 30-15-11, commandeer or utilize any private property if the governor finds this necessary to cope with the disaster emergency; (5) Direct and compel the evacuation of all or part of the population from any stricken or threatened area within the state if the governor deems this action necessary for the preservation of life or other disaster mitigation, response, or recovery; (6) Prescribe routes, modes of transportation, and destinations in connection with evacuation; (7) Control ingress and egress to and from a high risk area, the movement of persons within the area, and the occupancy of premises therein; (8) Suspend or limit the sale, dispensing, or transportation of alcoholic beverages, firearms, explosives, and combustibles; (9) Make provision for the availability and use of temporary emergency shelter; (10) Make and promulgate such rules and regulations as the governor may deem advisable for the assigning, detailing, and making available for duty and use in any city or town of this state any of the personnel, apparatus, or equipment of any police or fire department of any other city or town, or of any volunteer fire company, or of any fire district, and that personnel shall have the same powers, duties, rights, privileges, and immunities as if performing their duties in the city or town in which they normally would be employed, but the personnel shall obey the orders of the police and fire authorities of the city or town to which assigned, detailed, or made available. When assigned, detailed, or made available as aforesaid, the city or town in which the police or firemen shall perform outside duties shall provide them with subsistence or pay them a reasonable allowance therefor, and shall also be liable for any damage to the apparatus or equipment incurred while being so used; provided, however, that a city or town shall be reimbursed by the state out of the general fund of the state for all expenses incurred under the foregoing provisions of this subsection; (11) Designate as a special emergency health and sanitation area, any area within the state that has been seriously damaged by disaster, or in which the existence of any 12 military, naval, or air establishment of the United States of America or of any industrial establishment constructed or enlarged for purposes of national defense, has caused an increase in the population of that area to such an extent as to produce unusual problems of health and sanitation. It is the duty of state health authorities and the local code enforcement officials to make and enforce rules and regulations designed to prevent the introduction of any contagious or infectious disease and to safeguard the public health within the area. The governor may promulgate and enforce additional rules and regulations for the protection of the public health within areas as may be necessary; (12) Whenever, in the governor's opinion, due to a disaster there is liable to be a serious shortage in the supply of food, fuel, clothing, antitoxins, serums, immunizing agents, or any other pharmaceutical agents or medical supplies, or any other necessity of life or defense, and the federal authorities are not adequately dealing with the situation, promulgate such rules and regulations as he or she, from time to time, deems necessary to regulate the sale, purchase, or distribution of those necessities and to prohibit and prevent the wasting, secreting, hiding, or hoarding of, or profiteering from, those necessities; additionally, during a declared time of state or national emergency, no person, firm, or corporation shall increase the price of any item it sells or offers for sale at retail immediately prior to the proclamation of emergency or during the proclaimed state of emergency. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the fluctuation in the price of items sold at retail that occurs during the normal course of business. Any person, firm, or corporation who or that violates any provision of this subsection shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars ($100); (13) Do all other things necessary to effectively cope with disasters in the state not inconsistent with other provisions of law; (14) Adopt and enforce measures to provide for the safe disposal of infectious waste as may be reasonable and necessary for emergency response due to a state disaster emergency. Such measures may include, but are not limited to, the collection, storage, handling, destruction, treatment, transportation, and disposal of infectious waste; (15) Adopt and enforce measures to provide for the safe disposal of corpses as may be reasonable and necessary for emergency response due to a state disaster emergency. Such measures may include, but are not limited to, the embalming, burial, cremation, interment, disinterment, transportation, and disposal of corpses; and (16) Compel a person to submit to a physical examination and/or testing as necessary to diagnose or treat the person. The medical examination and/or testing may be performed by any qualified person authorized by the department of health and must not be reasonably likely to result in serious harm to the affected individual. The 13 medical examination and/or testing shall be performed immediately upon the order of the department of health without resort to judicial or quasi-judicial authority. If the department of health is uncertain whether a person who refuses to undergo medical examination and/or testing may have been exposed to an infectious disease or otherwise poses a danger to public health, the department of health may subject the individual to isolation or quarantine pursuant to § 23-8-4. History of Section. (P.L. 1973, ch. § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 170, § 2; P.L. 2003, ch. 185, § 4; P.L. 2003, ch. 189, § 4; P.L. 2004, ch. 64, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 83, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 38.)

§ 30-15-10. Financing – Disaster emergency funding board established. (a) It is the intent of the general assembly and declared to be the policy of the state that funds to meet disaster emergencies shall always be available. (b) A disaster emergency funding board is hereby established, composed of the president of the senate, the speaker of the house, and the chairpersons of the senate and house finance committees. (c) It is the legislative intent that the first recourse shall be to funds regularly appropriated to state and local agencies. If the governor finds that the demands placed upon these funds in coping with a particular disaster are unreasonably great, with the concurrence of the disaster emergency funding board, he or she may make funds available by transferring and expending moneys appropriated for other purposes or may borrow for a term not to exceed two (2) years from the United States government or any other private source. (d) Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to limit the governor's authority to apply for, administer, and expend any grants, gifts, or payments, in aid of disaster prevention, preparedness, response, or recovery. History of Section. (P.L. 1973, ch. 67, § 2; P.L. 2001, ch. 180, § 61.)

§ 30-15-11. Emergency claims commission. (a) There is hereby created an emergency claims commission, consisting of three (3) qualified electors of this state, who shall, if deemed necessary, within ten (10) days after the governor proclaims an emergency, be appointed by the presiding justice of the superior court. Any vacancy in the membership of the commission shall be filled 14 immediately by the presiding justice. The presiding justice shall fix the per diem compensation of the members of the commission. The commission shall determine what sum will justly compensate the claimant for the property taken, and that determination shall be made in accordance with the procedure established by the majority of the justices of the superior court, which procedure shall be designed to secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of claims for compensation. The commission may hire, and the state shall pay for, the services of any skilled and disinterested appraisers that the commission shall deem necessary to assist it in the performance of its duties. The clerk of the superior court for Providence county shall detail one of the assistant clerks and any clerical assistance that may be necessary to assist the commission in performing its duties, and when and if the commission so requests, the clerks of the superior courts for the other counties of the state shall furnish the commission any clerical assistance that it may require. The proper authorities shall provide the commission with suitable and convenient quarters in the courthouses of the state. (b) Whenever the governor takes possession of, or title to, any real or personal property pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, he or she shall immediately cause the owner and/or possessor of the property, referred to as the "claimant", to be notified in any manner that the commission provides, and shall also cause a copy of the notice to be filed with the commission. If the claimant or the attorney general representing the state is not satisfied with the award made by the commission, he or she may appeal within thirty (30) days after the award to the superior court and the proceedings shall thereafter be conducted in the superior court in accordance with the guaranties of the constitution and any rules of procedure that a majority of the justices of the court may adopt. Review by the supreme court shall be available to the state and to the claimant in accordance with any rules that a majority of the justices of the supreme court may adopt provided a petition for review is filed in the office of the clerk of the supreme court within thirty (30) days after entry of the decision of the superior court. These proceedings shall have precedence on the calendars of the courts. All unappealed awards and final judgments entered against the state in all proceedings and the fees and expenses of the commission shall be paid by the general treasurer out of any money in the treasury appropriated for this purpose and/or any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, and this direction shall constitute an appropriation for the payment of the awards, judgments, fees, and expenses. History of Section. (P.L. 1973, ch. 67, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 170, § 2.) 15

§ 30-15-12. Local emergency management. (a) Each city and town of the state shall establish, through local ordinance, a comparable agency, headed by a director, similar to the statewide disaster agency, with powers and duties within their respective jurisdictions similar to those of the agency. This agency shall be known as the "(here insert the name of the city or town) emergency management agency". Local agencies shall cooperate with and assist the agency and shall perform such services as may be requested by it. Local agencies may act jointly with other such agencies. (b) The chief executive officer of each city or town has powers and duties with respect to emergency management within his or her city or town similar to those of the governor on the state level, not inconsistent with other provisions of law. History of Section. (P.L. 1973, ch. 67, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 170, § 2; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 38.)

§ 30-15-13. Local disaster emergencies. (a) A local disaster emergency may be declared only by the principal executive officer of a political subdivision. It shall not be continued or renewed for a period in excess of seven (7) days except by, or with the consent of, the governing board of the political subdivision. Any order or proclamation declaring, continuing, or terminating a local disaster emergency shall be given prompt and general publicity and shall be filed promptly with the city or town clerk. (b) The effect of a declaration of a local disaster emergency is to activate the mitigation response and recovery aspects of any and all applicable local disaster emergency plans and to authorize the furnishing of aid and assistance thereunder. History of Section. (P.L. 1973, ch. 67, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 170, § 2.)

§ 30-15-14. Interstate emergency management and disaster compact. (a) This state hereby enacts into law and enters into the interstate emergency management and disaster compact with all states, as defined therein, which states have enacted or shall hereafter enact the compact in the form substantially as follows: Article 1. The purpose of this compact is to provide mutual aid among the states in meeting any emergency or disaster from enemy attack or other cause (natural or otherwise) including terrorism. The prompt, full and effective utilization of the 16 resources of the respective states, including such resources as may be available from the United States government or any other source, are essential to the safety, care and welfare of the people thereof in the event of any emergency, and any other resources, including personnel, equipment or supplies, shall be incorporated into a plan or plans of mutual aid to be developed among various state emergency management agencies or similar bodies of the states that are parties hereto. The directors of emergency management of all party states shall constitute a committee to formulate plans and take all necessary steps for the implementation of this compact. Article 2. It shall be the duty of each party state to formulate emergency management plans and programs for application within such state. There shall be frequent consultation between the representatives of the states and with the federal emergency management agency and the free exchange of information and plans, including inventories of any materials and equipment available. In carrying out such plans and programs the party states shall so far as possible provide and follow uniform standards, practices and rules and regulations including: (a) Official identification to designate and distinguish the different emergency management services; (b) Mobilization of emergency management forces and other tests and exercises; (c) Warnings and signals tests, including mechanical devices to be used in connection therewith; (d) The effective utilization of the emergency alert system; (e) Shutting off water mains, gas mains, electric power connections and the suspension of all other utility services when deemed in the interest of overall public safety; (f) All materials or equipment used or to be used for emergency management purposes in order to assure that such materials and equipment will be easily and freely interchangeable when used in or by any other party state; (g) The conduct of population and the movement and cessation of movement of pedestrians and vehicular traffic, prior, during and subsequent to drills or actual emergencies or disasters; (h) The safety of public meetings or gatherings; and (i) Mobile support units. 17 Article 3. Any party state requested to render mutual aid shall take such action as is necessary to provide and make available the resources covered by this compact in accordance with the terms hereof; provided that it is understood that the state rendering aid may withhold resources to the extent necessary to provide reasonable protection for such state. Each party state shall extend to the emergency management forces of any other party state, while operating within its state limits under the terms and conditions of this compact, the same powers (except that of arrest unless specifically authorized by the receiving state), duties, rights, privileges and immunities as if they were performing their duties in the state in which normally employed or rendering services, State of Rhode Island emergency management forces will continue under the command and control of their regular leaders but the organizational units will come under the operational control of the emergency management authorities of the state receiving assistance. Article 4. Whenever any person holds a license, certificate or other permit issued by a state evidencing the meeting of qualifications for professional, mechanical or other skills, such person may render aid involving such skill in any party state to meet an emergency or disaster and such state shall give due recognition to such license, certificate or other permit as if issued in the state in which aid is rendered. Article 5. No party state or its officers or employees rendering aid in another state pursuant to this compact shall be liable on account of any act or omission in good faith on the part of such forces while so engaged, or on account of the maintenance or use of any equipment or supplies in connection therewith. Article 6. Inasmuch as it is probable that the pattern and detail of the machinery for mutual aid among two (2) or more states may differ from that appropriate among other states party hereto, this instrument contains elements of a broad base common to all states, and nothing herein contained shall preclude any state from entering into supplementary agreements with another state or states. Such supplementary agreements may comprehend, but shall not be limited to, provisions for evacuation, and reception of injured and other persons, and the exchange of medical, fire, police, public utility, reconnaissance, public assistance, transportation and communications personnel, equipment and supplies. Article 7. Each party state shall provide for the payment of compensation and death benefits to injured members of the emergency management forces of that state and the representatives of deceased members of such forces in case such members sustain injuries or are killed while rendering aid pursuant to this compact, in the same manner and on the same terms as if the injury or death were sustained within such state. 18 Article 8. Any party state rendering aid in another state pursuant to this compact shall be reimbursed by the party state receiving such aid for any loss or damage to, or expense incurred in the operation of any equipment answering a request for aid, and for the cost incurred in connection with such request; provided, that any aiding party state may assume in whole or in part such loss, damage, expense, or other cost, or may loan such equipment or donate such services to the receiving party state without charge or cost; and provided further that any two (2) or more party states may enter into supplementary agreements establishing a different allocation of costs as among those states. The United States government may relieve the party state receiving aid from any liability and reimburse the party state supplying emergency management forces for the compensation paid to and the transportation, subsistence and maintenance expenses of such assistance during the time of the rendition of such aid or assistance outside the state and may also pay fair and reasonable compensation for the use or utilization of the supplies, materials, equipment or facilities so utilized or consumed. Article 9. Plans for the orderly evacuation and reception of the general population as the result of an emergency or disaster shall be worked out from time to time between representatives of the party states and the various local emergency management areas thereof. Such plans shall include the manner of transporting such evacuees, the number of evacuees to be received in different areas, the manner in which food, clothing, housing, and medical care will be provided, the registration of the evacuees, the providing of facilities for the notification of relatives or friends and the forwarding of such evacuees to other areas or the bringing in of additional materials, supplies, and all other relevant factors. Such plans shall provide that the party state receiving evacuees shall be reimbursed generally for the out-of-pocket expenses incurred in receiving and caring for such evacuees, for expenditures for transportation, food, clothing, medicines and medical care and like items. Such expenditures shall be reimbursed by the party state of which the evacuees are residents, or by the United States government under plans approved by it. After the termination of the emergency or disaster the party state of which the evacuees are resident shall assume the responsibility for the ultimate support or repatriation of such evacuees. Article 10. This compact shall be available to any state, territory or possession of the United States, and the District of Columbia. The term "state" may also include any neighboring foreign country or province or state thereof. Article 11. The committee established pursuant to article 1 of this compact may request the civil defense agency of the United States government to act as an informational and coordinating body under this compact, and representatives of such agency of the United States government may attend meetings of such committee. 19 Article 12. This compact shall become operative immediately upon its ratification by any state as between it and any other state or states so ratifying and shall be subject to approval by congress unless prior congressional approval has been given. Duly authenticated copies of this compact and of such supplementary agreements as may be entered into shall, at the time of their approval, be deposited with each of the party states and the Rhode Island emergency management agency and other appropriate agencies of the United States government. Article 13. This compact shall continue in force and remain binding on each party state until the legislature or the governor of such party state takes action to withdraw therefrom. Such action shall not be effective until thirty (30) days after notice thereof has been sent by the governor of the party state desiring to withdraw to the governors of all other party states. Article 14. (a) This compact shall be construed to effectuate the purposes stated in article 1 hereof. If any provision of this compact is declared unconstitutional, or the applicability thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the constitutionality of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to other persons and circumstances shall not be affected thereby. (b) Nothing in subsection (a) shall be construed to limit previous or future entry into the interstate emergency management and disaster compact of Rhode Island with other states. (c) If any person holds a license, certificate, or other permit issued by any other state or political subdivision thereof evidencing the meeting of qualifications for professional, mechanical, or other skills, the person may render aid involving that skill in Rhode Island to meet an emergency or disaster, and this state shall give due recognition to the license, certificate, or other permit. History of Section. (P.L. 1973, ch. 67, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 170, § 2.)

§ 30-15-15. Immunity from liability – Compensation for death or injury of disaster response workers. (a) All functions under this chapter, and all other activities relating to disaster response, are hereby declared to be governmental functions. Neither the state, nor any political subdivision thereof, nor other agencies of the state or political subdivision thereof, nor, except in cases of willful misconduct, gross negligence, or bad faith, any disaster response worker complying with, or reasonably attempting to comply with this chapter, or any order, rule, or regulation promulgated pursuant to the provisions 20 of this chapter, or pursuant to any ordinance relating to precautionary measures enacted by any political subdivision of the state, shall be liable for the death of, or injury to, persons, or for damage to property, as a result of disaster response activity. The provisions of this section shall not affect the right of any person to receive benefits to which he or she would otherwise be entitled under this chapter, nor under the Workers' Compensation Act, chapters 29 – 38 of title 28, nor under any pension law, nor the right of any person to receive any benefits or compensation under any act of Congress. (b) Any requirement for a license to practice any professional, mechanical, or other skill shall not apply to any authorized disaster response worker who shall, in the course of performing his or her duties as such, practice such professional, mechanical, or other skill during a disaster emergency. (c) In the absence of any other benefits as provided by law, all disaster response workers who shall be killed or sustain disability or injury while in training for or on disaster response duty shall be construed to be employees of the state, any other provisions of the law to the contrary notwithstanding, and shall be compensated in like manner as state employees are compensated under the provisions of chapters 29 – 38 of title 28. (d) As used in this section, the term "disaster response worker" shall include any full- or part-time paid, volunteer, or auxiliary employee of this state, other states, territories, or possessions, the District of Columbia, the federal government, any neighboring country, or any political subdivision thereof, or any agency or organization, or any private person, firm, or corporation performing disaster response services at any place in this state subject to the order or control of, or pursuant to a request of, the state government or any political subdivision thereof. History of Section. (P.L. 1973, ch. 67, § 2; P.L. 2003, ch. 185, § 4; P.L. 2003, ch. 189, § 4; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 38.)

§ 30-15-16. No private liability. Any person controlling real estate or other premises who voluntarily, and without compensation, grants a license or privilege, or otherwise permits the designation or use of the whole or any part or parts of that real estate or premises for the purpose of sheltering persons during an actual, impending, mock, or practice disaster shall, together with his or her successors in interest, if any, not be civilly liable for negligently causing the death of, or injury to, any person on or about the real estate or premises or for the loss of, or damage to, the property of that person. 21 History of Section. (P.L. 1973, ch. 67, § 2.)

§ 30-15-17. Severability. If any part, subdivision, or section of this chapter shall be declared unconstitutional, the validity of the remaining parts thereof shall not be affected thereby. If any provision of this chapter, or the application of that provision to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the remainder of the chapter and the application of that provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby. History of Section. (P.L. 1973, ch. 67, § 2.)

§ 30-15-18. Enforcement. It shall be the duty of every organization for disaster preparedness and response established pursuant to this chapter, and of the officers thereof, to execute and enforce such orders, rules, and regulations as may be made by the governor under authority of this chapter. Each organization shall have available for inspection at its office all orders, rules, and regulations made by the governor or under his or her authority. History of Section. (P.L. 1973, ch. 67, § 2.)

§ 30-15-19. Construction of chapter. This chapter shall be construed liberally, but those charged with the exercise or enforcement of its great powers are directed to act with restraint and moderation and with strict regard to the rights of the people. History of Section. (P.L. 1973, ch. 67, § 2.)

§ 30-15-20. References to agency predecessor. Wherever in any general or public law, the words "state council of defense", "Rhode Island state council of defense", or "council of defense" shall appear, these words shall mean and include the "Rhode Island emergency management agency" as established by this chapter. The "Rhode Island emergency management agency", renamed by the action of this chapter, is hereby declared to be the successor to the Rhode Island state council of defense. All provisions of law shall, so far as applicable, 22 be so construed. History of Section. (P.L. 1973, ch. 67, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 170, § 2.)

§ 30-15-21. Penalties. Any person violating any provisions of this chapter or any rule, order, or regulation promulgated pursuant to this chapter shall upon conviction thereof be punishable by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500), or imprisonment not exceeding ninety (90) days, or both. History of Section. (P.L. 1979, ch. 213, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 38.)

§ 30-15-22. Repealed. History of Section. (P.L. 1985, ch. 181, art. 29, § 17; P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 41, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2000, ch. 170, § 3, effective July 13, 2000.)

§ 30-15-23 – 30-15-40. Repealed.

§ 30-15-41. Approval of emergency response plans for the transportation of liquefied natural gas. (a) Findings. The general assembly hereby recognizes the paramount importance of establishing an emergency response plan for the transportation of liquefied natural gas within the state. The general assembly hereby also declares that the establishment of the emergency response plan is in the interest of the public health, safety, and welfare as a means to protect against the potential hazards presented by the transportation of liquefied natural gas. (b) No emergency response plan for the transportation of liquefied natural gas through the waters of Narragansett Bay and/or Mount Hope Bay shall be issued or implemented by the Rhode Island emergency management agency prior to the approval of the aforementioned emergency response plan by the general assembly and the city or town councils of Bristol, Jamestown, Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, Tiverton, and Warren. 23 History of Section. (P.L. 2008, ch. 208, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 38.)

§ 30-15-42. Committee created – Purpose and composition. (a) There is hereby created within the Rhode Island emergency management agency a committee consisting of twenty-one (21) members, pursuant to the provisions of § 30- 15-2 of this chapter, the interoperable communications committee (ICC), for the purpose of addressing the challenges associated with the statewide communications interoperability. (b) The interoperable communications committee (hereinafter referred to as the "committee") shall consist of the following members who shall assemble no less than twelve (12) times annually or more often at the call of the chairperson or upon petition of a majority of its members: (1) The adjutant general of the Rhode Island national guard, or his/her designee; (2) The president of the Rhode Island Fire Chief's Association, or his/her designee; (3) The president of the Rhode Island Police Chief's Association, or his/her designee; (4) The executive director of the Rhode Island emergency management agency, or his/her designee; (5) A representative from a Rhode Island Level 1 trauma center designated by the president of the facility; (6) The chairperson of the Hospital Association of Rhode Island (HARI), or his/her designee; (7) The director of the city of Providence communications division, or his/her designee; (8) A representative of the Rhode Island statewide communications network (RISCON) system north zone appointed by the executive director of the Rhode Island emergency management agency; (9) A representative of the Rhode Island statewide communications network (RISCON) system south zone appointed by the executive director of the Rhode Island emergency management agency; 24 (10) The colonel/superintendent of the Rhode Island state police, or his/her designee; (11) The director of the Rhode Island department of environmental management, or his/her designee; (12) The director of the Rhode Island department of transportation, or his/her designee; (13) The director of the Rhode Island department of corrections, or his/her designee; (14) The director of the Rhode Island department of information technology, or his/her designee; (15) The director of the Rhode Island department of health, or his/her designee; (16) The director of the Rhode Island public transit authority, or his/her designee; (17) The director of the Rhode Island bridge and turnpike authority, or his/her designee; (18) The associate director of the Rhode Island E-911 system, or his/her designee; (19) Chief Sachem of the Narragansett Indian Tribe, or his/her designee; and two (2) members appointed by the executive director of the Rhode Island emergency management agency. Each member of the committee may appoint a permanent designee to attend committee meetings in his/her absence. A quorum at meetings of the committee shall consist of a majority of its current membership. History of Section. (P.L. 2009, ch. 104, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 107, § 1.)

§ 30-15-43. Statewide interoperable communications system. The Rhode Island emergency management agency is hereby authorized and empowered to provide for the installation, operation, and maintenance of a statewide interoperable communications system for the purpose of promptly collecting, exchanging, disseminating, and distributing information relating to police, fire, first responder, and first-receiving health care facilities of the state. The system is to be installed, operated, and maintained in such cities and towns and entities as have 25 organized systems and may connect directly or indirectly with similar systems in other states in accordance with rules and regulations as promulgated by the Rhode Island emergency management agency. These rules and regulations shall be reviewed and revised from time to time by the interoperable communications committee as established in § 30-15-42. The Rhode Island emergency management agency is authorized to provide, for the location of the receiving system sites and to employ the necessary personnel for its operation. The system shall be called the Rhode Island statewide communications network (RISCON). The state departments and agencies and the cities and towns are authorized to provide through federal funding when available and general revenue when allocated, within the appropriations provided by law, for the location of equipment and for the personnel and supplies for their proper operation. The character of communication sent, and the time, place, and manner of sending messages, and all matters in connection with the RISCON system, shall be under the control and management of the executive director of the Rhode Island emergency management agency. History of Section. (P.L. 2009, ch. 104, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 107, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 38.)

§ 30-15-44. International emergency management assistance compact. The International Emergency Management Assistance Compact is hereby entered into and enacted into law with any and all of the states legally joining therein in the form substantially as follows: Article I Purpose and Authorities -- The International Emergency Management Assistance Memorandum of Understanding, hereinafter referred to as the "compact," is made and entered into by and among such of the jurisdictions as shall enact or adopt this compact, hereinafter referred to as "party jurisdictions." For the purposes of this agreement, the term "jurisdictions" may include any or all of the States of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut and the Provinces of Québec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, and such other states and provinces as may hereafter become a party to this compact. The purpose of this compact is to provide for the possibility of mutual assistance among the jurisdictions entering into this compact in managing any emergency or disaster when the affected jurisdiction or jurisdictions ask for assistance, whether arising from natural disaster, technological hazard, man-made disaster or civil emergency aspects of resource shortages. 26 This compact also provides for the process of planning mechanisms among the agencies responsible and for mutual cooperation, including, if need be, emergency- related exercises, testing, or other training activities using equipment and personnel simulating performance of any aspect of the giving and receiving of aid by party jurisdictions or subdivisions of party jurisdictions during emergencies, with such actions occurring outside actual declared emergency periods. Mutual assistance in this compact may include the use of emergency forces by mutual agreement among party jurisdictions. Article II General Implementation -- Each party jurisdiction entering into this compact recognizes that many emergencies may exceed the capabilities of a party jurisdiction and that intergovernmental cooperation is essential in such circumstances. Each jurisdiction further recognizes that there will be emergencies that may require immediate access and present procedures to apply outside resources to make a prompt and effective response to such an emergency because few, if any, individual jurisdictions have all the resources they need in all types of emergencies or the capability of delivering resources to areas where emergencies exist. The prompt, full and effective utilization of resources of the participating jurisdictions, including any resources on hand or available from any other source that are essential to the safety, care and welfare of the people in the event of any emergency or disaster, shall be the underlying principle on which all articles of this compact are understood. On behalf of the party jurisdictions participating in the compact, the legally designated official who is assigned responsibility for emergency management is responsible for formulation of the appropriate inter-jurisdictional mutual aid plans and procedures necessary to implement this compact, and for recommendations to the jurisdiction concerned with respect to the amendment of any statutes, regulations or ordinances required for that purpose. Article III Party Jurisdiction Responsibilities -- (a) Formulate plans and programs. It is the responsibility of each party jurisdiction to formulate procedural plans and programs for inter- jurisdictional cooperation in the performance of the responsibilities listed in this section. In formulating and implementing such plans and programs the party jurisdictions, to the extent practical, shall: (1) Review individual jurisdiction hazards analyses that are available and, to the extent reasonably possible, determine all those potential emergencies the party jurisdictions might jointly suffer, whether due to natural disaster, technological hazard, man-made disaster or emergency aspects of resource shortages; 27 (2) Initiate a process to review party jurisdictions' individual emergency plans and develop a plan that will determine the mechanism for the inter-jurisdictional cooperation; (3) Develop inter-jurisdictional procedures to fill any identified gaps and to resolve any identified inconsistencies or overlaps in existing or developed plans; (4) Assist in warning communities adjacent to or crossing jurisdictional boundaries; (5) Protect and ensure delivery of services, medicines, water, food, energy and fuel, search and rescue and critical lifeline equipment, services and resources, both human and material to the extent authorized by law; and (6) Inventory and agree upon procedures for the inter-jurisdictional loan and delivery of human and material resources, together with procedures for reimbursement or forgiveness. (b) Request assistance. The authorized representative of a party jurisdiction may request assistance of another party jurisdiction by contacting the authorized representative of that jurisdiction. These provisions only apply to requests for assistance made by and to authorized representatives. Requests may be verbal or in writing. If verbal, the request must be confirmed in writing within fifteen (15) days of the verbal request. Requests must provide the following information: (1) A description of the emergency service function for which assistance is needed and of the mission or missions, including, but not limited to, fire services, emergency medical, transportation, communications, public works and engineering, building inspection, planning and information assistance, mass care, resource support, health and medical services and search and rescue; (2) The amount and type of personnel, equipment, materials and supplies needed and a reasonable estimate of the length of time they will be needed; and (3) The specific place and time for staging of the assisting party's response and a point of contact at the location. (c) Consultation among party jurisdiction officials. There shall be frequent consultation among the party jurisdiction officials who have assigned emergency management responsibilities, such officials collectively known hereinafter as the International Emergency Management Group, and other appropriate representatives of the party jurisdictions with free exchange of information, plans and resource records relating to emergency capabilities to the extent authorized by law. 28 Article IV Limitation -- Any party jurisdiction requested to render mutual aid or conduct exercises and training for mutual aid shall undertake to respond as soon as possible, except that it is understood that the jurisdiction rendering aid may withhold or recall resources to the extent necessary to provide reasonable protection for that jurisdiction. Each party jurisdiction shall afford to the personnel of the emergency forces of any party jurisdiction, while operating within its jurisdictional limits under the terms and conditions of this compact and under the operational control of an officer of the requesting party, the same powers, duties, rights, privileges and immunities as are afforded similar or like forces of the jurisdiction in which they are performing emergency services. Emergency forces continue under the command and control of their regular leaders, but the organizational units come under the operational control of the emergency services authorities of the jurisdiction receiving assistance. These conditions may be activated, as needed, by the jurisdiction that is to receive assistance or upon commencement of exercises or training for mutual aid and continue as long as the exercises or training for mutual aid are in progress, the emergency or disaster remains in effect or loaned resources remain in the receiving jurisdiction or jurisdictions, whichever is longer. The receiving jurisdiction is responsible for informing the assisting jurisdictions of the specific moment when services will no longer be required. Article V Licenses and Permits -- Whenever a person holds a license, certificate or other permit issued by any jurisdiction party to the compact evidencing the meeting of qualifications for professional, mechanical or other skills, and when such assistance is requested by the receiving party jurisdiction, such person is deemed to be licensed, certified or permitted by the jurisdiction requesting assistance to render aid involving such skill to meet an emergency or disaster, subject to such limitations and conditions as the requesting jurisdiction prescribes by executive order or otherwise. Article VI Liability -- Any person or entity of a party jurisdiction rendering aid in another jurisdiction pursuant to this compact are considered agents of the requesting jurisdiction for tort liability and immunity purposes. Any person or entity rendering aid in another jurisdiction pursuant to this compact are not liable on account of any act or omission in good faith on the part of such forces while so engaged or on account of the maintenance or use of any equipment or supplies in connection therewith. Good faith in this article does not include willful misconduct, gross negligence or recklessness. Article VII Supplementary Agreements -- Because it is probable that the pattern and detail of the machinery for mutual aid among two (2) or more jurisdictions may differ from that among the jurisdictions that are party to this compact, this compact contains elements of a broad base common to all jurisdictions, and nothing in this compact precludes any jurisdiction from entering into supplementary agreements with another 29 jurisdiction or affects any other agreements already in force among jurisdictions. Supplementary agreements may include, but are not limited to, provisions for evacuation and reception of injured and other persons and the exchange of medical, fire, public utility, reconnaissance, welfare, transportation and communications personnel, equipment and supplies. Article VIII Workers' Compensation and Death Benefits -- Each party jurisdiction shall provide, in accordance with its own laws, for the payment of workers' compensation and death benefits to injured members of the emergency forces of that jurisdiction and to representatives of deceased members of those forces if the members sustain injuries or are killed while rendering aid pursuant to this compact, in the same manner and on the same terms as if the injury or death were sustained within their own jurisdiction. Article IX Reimbursement -- Any party jurisdiction rendering aid in another jurisdiction pursuant to this compact shall, if requested, be reimbursed by the party jurisdiction receiving such aid for any loss or damage to or expense incurred in the operation of any equipment and the provision of any service in answering a request for aid and for the costs incurred in connection with those requests. An aiding party jurisdiction may assume in whole or in part any such loss, damage, expense or other cost or may loan such equipment or donate such services to the receiving party jurisdiction without charge or cost. Any two or more party jurisdictions may enter into supplementary agreements establishing a different allocation of costs among those jurisdictions. Expenses under article VIII are not reimbursable under this section. Article X Evacuation -- Each party jurisdiction shall initiate a process to prepare and maintain plans to facilitate the movement of and reception of evacuees into its territory or across its territory, according to its capabilities and powers. The party jurisdiction from which the evacuees came shall assume the ultimate responsibility for the support of the evacuees, and after the termination of the emergency or disaster, for the repatriation of such evacuees. Article XI Implementation -- (a) This compact is effective upon its execution or adoption by any two (2) jurisdictions, and is effective as to any other jurisdiction upon its execution or adoption thereby: subject to approval or authorization by the U.S. Congress, if required, and subject to enactment of provincial or state legislation that may be required for the effectiveness of the Memorandum of Understanding. (b) Any party jurisdiction may withdraw from this compact, but the withdrawal does not take effect until thirty (30) days after the governor or premier of the withdrawing jurisdiction has given notice in writing of such withdrawal to the governors or premiers of all other party jurisdictions. The action does not relieve the withdrawing 30 jurisdiction from obligations assumed under this compact prior to the effective date of withdrawal. (c) Duly authenticated copies of this compact in the French and English languages and of such supplementary agreements as may be entered into shall, at the time of their approval, be deposited with each of the party jurisdictions. Article XII Severability -- This compact is construed to effectuate the purposes stated in Article I. If any provision of this compact is declared unconstitutional or the applicability of the compact to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this compact and the applicability of the compact to other persons and circumstances are not affected. Article XIII Inconsistency of Language -- The validity of the arrangements and agreements consented to in this compact shall not be affected by any insubstantial difference in form or language as may be adopted by the various states and provinces. Article XIV Amendment -- This compact may be amended by agreement of the party jurisdictions. History of Section. (P.L. 2013, ch. 175, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 227, § 1.) 31