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Bill > H8001


RI H8001

RI H8001
Authorizes municipalities to make an emergency declaration under limited circumstances to allow for the construction and use of SAFE Units on a temporary basis which have specialized requirements and exemptions from the state fire and building codes.


summary

Introduced
02/27/2026
In Committee
02/27/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This act would authorize municipalities to make an emergency declaration under limited circumstances to allow for the construction and use of SAFE Units on a temporary basis which have specialized requirements and exemptions from the state fire and building codes. This act would also include a provision for reports to be provided to the governor, the speaker of the house and the president of the senate regarding the nature of the emergency and the number of individuals served by SAFE Units. This act would take effect upon passage.

AI Summary

This bill authorizes municipalities to declare a limited emergency, allowing for the temporary construction and use of "SAFE Units" (Supportive and Functional Emergency Units), which are structures designed for people experiencing homelessness to provide temporary safety and privacy while they transition to permanent housing. These SAFE Units have specific requirements, including climate control, a locking door, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, a fire extinguisher, an egress window, and minimum size and structural integrity standards, but are exempt from most state fire and building codes, with specific exceptions outlined in the bill. The bill also allows municipalities to permit SAFE Units through their zoning ordinances on a non-emergency basis, and requires reports to the governor and legislative leaders regarding the nature of any emergency declaration and the number of individuals served by SAFE Units, with emergency declarations limited to 180 days per year.

Committee Categories

Housing and Urban Affairs

Sponsors (6)

Last Action

Committee recommended measure be held for further study (on 03/05/2026)

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