RI H8001

Creates "Supportive and Functional Emergency Units" (SAFE Units) as a new category of temporary transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness, with minimum 70 sq. ft. for one occupant and maximum 400 sq. ft. total floor area

Exempts SAFE Units from standard state building and fire codes, establishing alternative safety requirements including climate control, locking doors, smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguisher, egress window, and Class C fire rating

Authorizes municipalities to declare emergencies (with council approval) allowing SAFE Unit construction during severe weather or disasters, with each declaration valid for 30 days and renewable up to 180 days total per year

Requires municipal executives to file reports with the governor and legislative leaders within 30 days of emergency declaration and every 60 days thereafter, documenting the emergency nature and number of individuals served

Permits municipalities to allow SAFE Units on a non-emergency basis through standard zoning ordinance amendments, with units required to maintain minimum 10-foot separation when part of a community