The bill amends Section 16-52-2 of the General Laws regarding the appointment and responsibilities of campus police at state colleges and universities. It allows the board of education to appoint campus police officers who will have the same powers as municipal police officers, including the authority to arrest individuals for violations of state laws and local ordinances. The bill removes the previous restriction on campus police carrying firearms, now allowing them to do so subject to specific training requirements. Additionally, it mandates that campus police complete a course of firearm instruction and adhere to in-service training requirements by October 1, 2025. The board of education is also tasked with adopting rules and regulations to implement these provisions.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 42-28.6-1 to include campus police officers in the definition of "law enforcement officer" under the Law Enforcement Officers' Due Process, Accountability, and Transparency Act. This inclusion ensures that campus police are afforded the same rights and responsibilities as other law enforcement officers. The bill also outlines the financial responsibilities for legal fees incurred during hearings involving law enforcement officers, specifying that both the law enforcement agency and the accused officer will share the costs. The act will take effect upon passage.