Rhode IslandS22092026 Regular SessionSenate

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

Sponsored By: Andrew R. Dimitri (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Local SWAT teams, drills, and gear

Each city and town now has a rapid‑response/SWAT team run with the State Police. Each team must have at least six officers. Local police must run emergency response drills at least three times a year. The state sets aside $500,000 each year to buy SWAT gear and training.

Yearly school safety checks and plans

Every school district must do a safety assessment for each school with local police, fire, and its safety team. The first assessment happens within 30 days of the law, then every year by September 1. Each school committee adopts a comprehensive safety plan in executive session, built by a team of students, staff, parents, and first responders. Districts must submit an emergency action plan and an all‑hazards site survey to the state committee each year. A 12‑member state school safety committee led by the State Police trains, reviews plans, and helps districts. The Commissioner reports when assessments are done, and assessments finished within one year of passage count for this report. Meetings and records for these assessments and plans are not public. Schools also form volunteer crisis teams to connect students and staff with mental health help after violence.

Funding and cost sharing for armed school police

The state sets aside $500,000 each year for armed police coverage in schools. If costs go over that amount, the State Police and the local police split the extra cost.

State committee plans armed school coverage

The law creates an eight‑member school emergency response committee led by the State Police. It meets every three months. The committee makes a five‑year school security plan that covers access controls, cameras, stronger doors and glass, and other upgrades. It works with state and local police to schedule armed coverage for schools. By January 31 each year, it reports needed security laws and the added yearly cost to provide more armed security. The committee’s meetings and records are not open to the public.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Andrew R. Dimitri
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Peter A. Appollonio, Jr.
Democratic • Senate
John P. Burke
Democratic • Senate
Frank A. Ciccone, III
Democratic • Senate
Stefano V. Famiglietti
Democratic • Senate
Todd M. Patalano
Democratic • Senate
Gordon E. Rogers
Republican • Senate
Brian J. Thompson
Democratic • Senate
David P. Tikoian
Democratic • Senate
Jessica de la Cruz
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 145 • No: 0

House vote • 6/9/2026

HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 71 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/28/2026

HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS Passage

Yes: 37 • No: 0