2009 Rhode Island Code
Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense
CHAPTER 30-15 - Emergency Management
§ 30-15-7 - Governor's general powers.

SECTION 30-15-7

   § 30-15-7  Governor's general powers. – The governor shall be responsible for carrying out the provisions of this chapter and shall be primarily responsible for emergency management in the state. Aside from powers granted to the governor elsewhere, the governor is hereby specifically authorized to:

   (1) Issue executive orders, proclamations, and regulations and amend or rescind them. Executive orders, proclamations, and regulations, for the purposes of this chapter, have the force and effect of law;

   (2) Cooperate with the federal authorities and with the governors and/or officials of the other states in matters pertaining to the common disaster preparedness of the states and nation, and in exercising the powers under this chapter, the governor shall avoid duplications of and conflicts with the efforts of the federal authorities acting within their proper spheres;

   (3) Consider on a continuing basis steps that could be taken to prevent or reduce the harmful consequences of disasters. At the governor's direction, and pursuant to any other authority they now have, state agencies, including but not limited to those that are or may be charged with responsibilities in connection with flood plain management, stream encroachment and flow regulation, weather modification, fire prevention and control, air quality, public works, land use and land-use planning, and construction standards, shall make studies of disaster prevention-related matters. The governor, from time to time, shall make recommendations to the general assembly, local governments, and other appropriate public and private entities as may facilitate measures for mitigation of the harmful consequences of disasters;

   (4) Prepare a comprehensive plan and program for disasters (including response and recovery) in the state, the plan and program to be integrated into and coordinated with the response and disaster plans of other states to the fullest possible extent, and coordinate the preparation of plans and programs for disasters by the political subdivisions of the state, such plans to be integrated into and coordinated with the state disaster plan and program to the fullest possible extent;

   (5) In accordance with the plans and programs for disasters in the state, procure supplies and equipment, to institute training programs and public information programs, and to take all other preparatory steps, including the partial or full mobilization of disaster organizations in advance of actual disaster, to insure the furnishing of adequately trained and equipped forces of disaster personnel in time of need;

   (6) Delegate any administrative authority vested in the governor under this chapter, and provide for the subsequent delegation of that authority; and

   (7) Do all other things necessary to insure adequate preparation for disasters in the state, not inconsistent with other provisions of law.