The bill amends Chapter 16-21 of the General Laws by adding a new section that mandates the use of impact-reducing soft-shell helmet covers for students participating in interscholastic league football in Rhode Island. These soft-shell covers are designed to reduce the impact of collisions by adding a padded layer to traditional hard-shelled helmets, thereby minimizing the incidence and effects of concussions and other trauma. Effective August 1, 2027, all students in the interscholastic league must wear these devices during games and practices whenever a traditional football helmet is used. School districts are required to furnish these devices to all participating students; however, a parent, guardian, responsible adult, or a student who is eighteen (18) years of age or older may opt out of this requirement for practices or games, or both. The devices will remain the property of the school district at all times. The Rhode Island interscholastic league is responsible for promulgating rules, regulations, and standards regarding the selection and use of these devices. The provisions of this new section will apply to all public school districts as well as any other schools participating in interscholastic league football. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2027.