The bill amends Chapter 16-21 of the General Laws, titled "Health and Safety of Pupils," by introducing a new section, 16-21-43, which mandates the use of impact-reducing soft-shell helmet covers for students participating in interscholastic league football in Rhode Island. These soft-shell helmet covers are designed to reduce the impact of collisions by adding a padded layer to traditional hard-shelled football helmets, thereby minimizing the incidence and effects of concussions and other trauma.

Effective August 1, 2025, all students in the interscholastic league must wear these devices during games and practices whenever a traditional football helmet would be used. Parents, guardians, responsible adults, or students who are eighteen (18) years of age or older may opt out of wearing these devices for practices or games, or both. The soft-shell helmet covers will be provided by school districts and will remain their property.

The Rhode Island interscholastic league is responsible for promulgating rules, regulations, and standards regarding the selection and use of these devices. 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 participating in interscholastic league football. The act will take effect upon passage.