HB 7173·RI·house
AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- FACILITATING BUSINESS RAPID RESPONSE TO STATE DECLARED DISASTER ACT OF 2024
Signed into LawFiled Jan 21, 2026
Sponsor: Brian Kennedy (D)
Latest Action
Signed by Governor
Jun 18, 2026
Summary
The law broadens what counts as critical infrastructure to include broadband and wireless networks, defines how out‑of‑state businesses can operate during a declared disaster, and sets new rules for handling regulated metals. It also creates criminal penalties for damaging electric or communication lines and lets municipalities grant zoning variances to protect at‑risk infrastructure. The changes take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.
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