Amazonas legislature approves extreme heat protection bill

The Legislative Assembly of Amazonas (Aleam) has approved a bill designed to protect the population from extreme heat. Authored by Deputy Delegado Péricles, the legislation establishes five distinct thermal risk levels, ranging from normality to thermal emergency, based on temperature and humidity thresholds.

Under the proposed rules, once an attention level is reached, private establishments with in-person service must provide free potable water to customers and visitors, excluding businesses that already primarily sell beverages like bars and restaurants. At higher alert levels, large commercial spaces of at least 500 square meters must provide ventilated or air-conditioned rest areas, restrooms, and hydration points. The bill also mandates changes to schedules for outdoor activities and provides protections for workers exposed to the sun.

The project still awaits sanction by Governor Roberto Cidade to become law.