Interstate Emergency Compact (H 5612B, S 0501 as amended)

A bill permitting Rhode Island to enter into the International Emergency Management Assistance Compact with other states contained a dangerous provision permitting the suspension of any statutes or ordinances that might impede the military’s ability to respond to an emergency.  The ACLU testified before the House Corporations and Senate Special Legislation committees that this overly broad language could promote confusion and abuse during emergencies. In response, the problematic language was removed prior to final passage of the legislation.