The bill amends Section 16-21-23 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-21, focusing on enhancing school safety and security measures. It mandates that each school district conduct an annual school safety assessment in collaboration with local police and fire departments, with the first assessment due within 30 days of the bill's passage and subsequent assessments required by September 1 each year. The bill establishes a Rhode Island school emergency response committee, comprised of eight members, tasked with developing and reporting on school facility security measures to the General Assembly annually by January 31. This committee will facilitate the provision of armed security personnel and security devices for all kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) schools.

Additionally, the bill introduces a rapid response team/SWAT team for each city or town police department, which will focus on active shooter training, emergency response drills, and securing necessary equipment. Each local police department's rapid response team/SWAT team must consist of a minimum of six officers and conduct emergency response drills at least three times per year. The bill allocates a recurring annual budget of $500,000 specifically for armed police coverage in schools and for the procurement of weapons and equipment for the rapid response teams.

Furthermore, all meetings regarding the school security committee are exempt from the open meetings law, and documents produced, including meeting minutes and school security measures, are not subject to the access to public records law. This act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2209: 16-21-23