SR 2417

This bill establishes an 11-member special legislative commission to study and develop recommendations for protecting Rhode Island from nuclear weapons threats, with members appointed by various state officials and selected from public applicants who reflect the state's demographic diversity. The commission will investigate multiple aspects of nuclear weapons dangers including physical destruction, infrastructure collapse, environmental devastation, and health impacts from potential attacks (including those on nearby cities like Boston or New York), while also examining the risks of nuclear escalation and nuclear winter. Additionally, the commission will explore measures to help transition Rhode Island workers and businesses away from nuclear weapons-related activities toward employment in areas addressing climate change and social needs, with a final report due by August 6, 2027.