The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised 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 conditions. These protocols, which must be created in consultation with the Office of the Governor and municipal leaders, 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 shared with the 2-1-1 Infoline program operated by the United Way of Connecticut. The new legal language introduced in this bill is effective from October 1, 2026, and aims to enhance public safety during extreme weather events by ensuring that communities are prepared and informed. The bill does not include any deletions from current law.