Rhode IslandH77312026 Regular SessionHouse

AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS .

Sponsored By: Earl A. Read, III (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

School crisis teams for mental health

Schools set up crisis response teams made of staff who volunteer to help after violence. The teams coordinate mental health support for students and school employees. They can get resources from the state education department.

Annual school safety checks and plans

School districts must assess each school with local police, fire, and a school safety team within 30 days of passage. They repeat it every year by September 1 and complete an emergency action plan. Districts send the all-hazards survey to the state School Safety Committee, which has 13 members and provides training and advice. Local school committees adopt a full safety plan in executive session using a team that includes parents, students, teachers, staff, police, and fire. The Education Commissioner reports to state leaders that all assessments are complete.

State emergency committee plans armed coverage

The law creates an eight-member School Emergency Response Committee led by the State Police. It meets every three months, works with state and local police to schedule armed police coverage in schools, and files a report each January 31. It must produce a five-year plan for entry control, classroom security hardware, and other measures, and list annual costs.

School safety meetings kept private

Meetings and records about school safety and security are private. Minutes, safety assessments, and related documents are exempt from open meetings and public records laws. Parents and the public do not have automatic access to these materials.

SWAT teams, drills, and school security funds

Every city and town police department must have a rapid response/SWAT team with at least six officers. Departments train for active-shooter and sniper events and run emergency drills at least three times a year. The state budgets $500,000 each year for armed police coverage in schools and $500,000 for SWAT weapons, gear, and training. Any extra cost for armed coverage is split between the State Police and local police.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Earl A. Read, III
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Stephen M. Casey
Democratic • House
Arthur J. Corvese
Democratic • House
Susan R. Donovan
Democratic • House
Richard R. Fascia
Republican • House
Joseph M. McNamara
Democratic • House
Thomas E. Noret
Democratic • House
Paul M. Santucci
Republican • House
Patricia A. Serpa
Democratic • House
Joseph J. Solomon, Jr.
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 69 • No: 0

House vote • 6/9/2026

HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS PASSAGE