Provides the general assembly make an annual appropriation of not less than eighty thousand dollars ($80,000) to the Rhode Island emergency management agency to assist with emergency communications during major or multiple emergency incidents.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would require the Rhode Island General Assembly to set aside at least $80,000 every year for the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA). The money would be specifically used to support emergency communications — meaning the systems and tools that allow emergency responders, agencies, and officials to coordinate and share information during serious crises.

The funding would kick in during "major or multiple emergency incidents," which could include things like large-scale natural disasters, widespread power outages, or situations where several emergencies are happening at the same time. By guaranteeing a minimum funding amount each year, the bill aims to ensure that RIEMA has reliable resources to keep communication systems running when they are needed most.

This bill primarily affects state government operations and the agencies involved in emergency response, including first responders and local officials who rely on coordinated communication during crises. Indirectly, it could benefit Rhode Island residents by helping to ensure a more organized and effective response when major emergencies occur. The bill has been introduced and sent to the Senate Finance Committee, where lawmakers will review its budget implications before deciding whether to move it forward.