Rhode Island Senate Bill S0501

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/25
• Refer: 2/26/25

Caption

Authorizes municipalities to make an emergency declaration under limited circumstances to allow for the construction and use of SAVE Units on a temporary basis which have specialized requirements and exemptions from the state fire and building codes.

Impact

If enacted, S0501 will fundamentally amend existing laws regarding housing and construction by allowing states of emergency to bypass traditional planning and zoning procedures. This change is expected to expedite the availability of emergency accommodation during disasters, potentially improving the state’s responsiveness to humanitarian needs. Municipalities could authorize the construction of these units to serve individuals facing homelessness or those affected by significant weather events, ensuring they have a viable temporary living option.

Summary

Bill S0501 aims to provide municipalities in Rhode Island the authority to make emergency declarations that will permit the construction and use of SAVE Units, designed as temporary housing solutions. This bill outlines specialized requirements and exemptions from certain state fire and building codes for these units. The legislation is primarily motivated by the need to respond effectively during times of crises or natural disasters, facilitating quicker deployment of emergency housing solutions for displaced individuals.

Contention

There are notable points of contention regarding the bill. While supporters argue that S0501 is an essential adaptation to address the needs of vulnerable populations during emergencies, critics may express concerns about construction quality and safety standards. The exemption from standard building codes might lead to potential risks if not properly regulated, raising debates on whether such measures sufficiently protect occupants' health and safety.

Implementation

Once this bill is passed, municipalities will have the authority to deploy SAVE Units under specific guidelines, including compliance with minimum size and safety standards. Reports on the emergency's nature and the number of individuals served by these units must be submitted to state authorities to ensure oversight. However, there's a provision for municipalities to allow SAVE Units even on a non-emergency basis, provided they meet all applicable state building and fire codes.