The proposed bill, titled "The Mandatory Carrying of Epinephrine Autoinjectors by Police Officers Act," aims to enhance public safety in Rhode Island by requiring all police officers to carry epinephrine autoinjectors. The bill recognizes that police officers often arrive at emergency scenes before EMS personnel and that timely administration of epinephrine can be critical in cases of anaphylaxis. To facilitate this, the bill mandates that all peace officers carry epinephrine autoinjectors in their police vehicles or on their person if they do not have a vehicle. Additionally, it requires police departments to provide biannual training on the use of these autoinjectors and to budget for their purchase and training costs.

The bill includes specific legal language that authorizes peace officers to administer epinephrine, which was previously restricted, and outlines penalties for non-compliance. Individual officers who fail to carry the autoinjectors due to negligence may face fines of $50 per hour, while police departments that do not distribute the autoinjectors as mandated will incur a monthly fine of $5,000 until compliance is achieved. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, ensuring that police departments have time to prepare for these new requirements.