The proposed bill, titled "The Mandatory Carrying of Epinephrine Autoinjectors by Police Officers Act," requires all peace officers in Rhode Island to carry epinephrine autoinjectors either in their police vehicles or on their person. This legislation aims to enhance emergency response to anaphylactic shocks, as police officers frequently arrive at emergency scenes before emergency medical services (EMS) personnel.

The bill outlines specific duties and obligations for police officers and police departments, including the requirement for all peace officers to attend biannual mandatory training on the use of epinephrine autoinjectors. Additionally, police departments are mandated to purchase the necessary epinephrine autoinjectors and incorporate the costs of these autoinjectors and training into their budgets.

To ensure compliance, the bill establishes penalties for failure to adhere to its requirements, including fines for individual officers who do not carry their issued epinephrine autoinjectors due to negligence, as well as fines for police departments that fail to distribute the autoinjectors as mandated. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.