This bill establishes a three-year pilot program called the Code Red alert, aimed at providing shelter and emergency services to at-risk individuals during extreme heat conditions. It defines "at-risk individuals" as those living outdoors or in poorly insulated settings who are vulnerable to weather-related exposure and potential death. The program will be coordinated by county emergency management offices, which will work with municipal emergency management coordinators in areas with a documented homeless population of at least ten people. The Code Red alert plans will include communication and outreach efforts, transportation, and the establishment of emergency cooling centers to assist these individuals during heat waves.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the State Office of Emergency Management submit a report to the Governor and Legislature on the pilot program's effectiveness, challenges, and recommendations for its future. The coordinator will issue a Code Red alert based on specific temperature thresholds, and designated volunteer organizations may operate cooling centers with support from the county. The bill also includes provisions for Good Samaritan protection from civil liability for the State, local governments, and volunteers involved in the program. The bill will take effect immediately and will expire three years after its enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: .A:9-52