Sixty-seventh Supplemental Emergency Declaration – COVID-19 Emergency Regulations

WHEREAS, on March 9, 2020, I declared a state of emergency due to the dangers to health and life posed by COVID-19 and that declaration is in effect until at least October 3, 2020;

WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has required State agencies to respond to rapidly changing public health needs and federal compliance requirements;

WHEREAS, in response to these conditions, State agencies have promulgated emergency regulations under Rhode Island General Laws § 42-35-2.10 and in some cases have amended emergency regulations multiple times within the statutory period;

WHEREAS, despite progress in a number of key areas, the State continues to suffer from the effects of the pandemic;

WHEREAS, the evolving nature of the pandemic necessitates flexibility for agencies to frequently amend regulations as necessary and appropriate, in accordance with existing oversight processes and public notification requirements, in response to changing public health conditions and federal government actions;

WHEREAS, the requirements and associated timelines to promulgate regulations under Rhode Island General Laws§§ 42-35-2.6 through 2.9 and 42-35-2.11 could delay effective responses to rapidly changing conditions during the state of emergency; and

WHEREAS, these emergency regulations remain critical to protecting public health and welfare and securing federal funding for agency programs while agencies continue to respond directly to the effects of the pandemic.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GINA M. RAIMONDO, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Rhode Island, pursuant to Article IX of the Rhode Island Constitution and the Rhode Island General Laws, including, but not limited to, Title 30, Chapter 15, and Title 23, Chapter 8 do hereby order and direct the following:

1. The statutory one-time 60-day renewal limit contained in Rhode Island General Laws§ 42-35-2.10 is hereby suspended for all existing and new emergency rules promulgated in relation to the current COVID-19 emergency. Such emergency rules may be extended for one or more 60-day renewal periods. Any such further extension of time must be related to the current COVID-19 emergency.

This Executive Order shall take effect immediately and remain in full force and effect until October 2, 2020 unless renewed, modified or terminated by subsequent Executive Order.

So Ordered,

Gina M. Raimondo

Governor