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 when a traditional football helmet is used. The school districts will provide these devices, but students, parents, guardians, or responsible adults may opt out of wearing them 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 helmet covers. The bill also allows the General Assembly to appropriate funds to schools and school districts to aid in the purchase of these devices. The provisions apply to all public school districts as well as any other schools participating in interscholastic league football. The act will take effect upon passage.