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. Effective August 1, 2025, all students must wear these helmet covers during games and practices whenever a traditional football helmet is used. The school districts will provide these devices; however, a parent, guardian, responsible adult, or a student who is eighteen (18) years of age or older may elect to opt out of wearing them for practices or games, or both. The helmet covers 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 helmet covers. The General Assembly may appropriate funds to schools and school districts to aid in the purchase of these devices. The provisions of this section apply to all public school districts as well as any other schools that participate in interscholastic league football. The act will take effect upon passage.