As used in this chapter:

(1)  “Bioterrorism” means the intentional use of any microorganism, virus, infectious substance or biological product that may be engineered as a result of biotechnology or any naturally occurring or bioengineered component of any such microorganism, virus, infectious substance, or biological product, to cause death, disease, or other biological malfunction in a human, an animal, a plant or other living organism;

(2)  “Disaster” means occurrence or imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property resulting from any natural or man-made cause, including, but not limited to:

(i)  Fire;

(ii)  Flood;

(iii)  Earthquake;

(iv)  Wind, storm, wave action, oil spill, or other water contamination requiring emergency action to avert danger or damage;

(v)  Volcanic activity;

(vi)  Epidemic;

(vii)  Air contamination;

(viii)  Blight;

(ix)  Drought;

(x)  Infestation;

(xi)  Explosion;

(xii)  Riots;

(xiii)  Hostile military or paramilitary action;

(xiv)  Endangerment of the health, safety, or resources of the people of the state;

(xv)  Acts of bioterrorism;

(3)  “Political subdivision” means any city or town in Rhode Island; and

(4)  “Unorganized militia” means all able-bodied persons between the ages of sixteen (16) and fifty (50) years.

History of Section.
P.L. 1973, ch. 67, § 2; P.L. 1974, ch. 146, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 170, § 2; P.L. 2003, ch. 185, § 4; P.L. 2003, ch. 189, § 4.