The bill amends Chapter 16-45.1 of the General Laws regarding Career and Technical Education by introducing a new section that allows students enrolled in appropriately credentialed programs related to emergency medicine, firefighting, or public safety to participate in training activities at the Rhode Island fire academy, effective July 1, 2026. This includes students under the age of eighteen. The Rhode Island fire academy, in conjunction with the Department of Health, the Department of Education, and the Career and Technical Board of Trustees, will establish guidelines and benchmarks that students must meet to be eligible for participation in these training activities. Additionally, students must be deemed fit to participate by both their sending district and the fire academy.

Furthermore, the bill permits students who successfully complete the aforementioned career and technical education programs to take exams and skills testing for certifications in hazardous materials awareness, Firefighter I, and Firefighter II, also effective July 1, 2026. The Fire Education and Training Coordinating Board is authorized to promulgate any rules or regulations deemed necessary to ensure that students are properly trained and fit to undertake the exams and skills testing for the certifications referenced in this section.