Senate Bill No. 364 mandates the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security within the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection to develop standardized protocols for extreme hot and cold weather by January 1, 2027. These protocols will include specific weather factors, such as temperatures, heat index, and wind chill, that will trigger the opening of cooling and warming centers across the state. Additionally, the bill requires the division to establish methods for public transportation to these centers and to communicate the protocols effectively to the public. The protocols must be posted on the division's website and provided to the United Way of Connecticut's 2-1-1 Infoline program.

The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2026, and may lead to increased costs for both the state and municipalities if the new protocols result in more frequent activations of cooling and warming centers than current practices. Potential costs could include the opening of additional centers, transportation support for individuals needing rides, and hotel accommodations for those in need. The fiscal impact is expected to continue into the future, depending on the frequency of extreme weather events.