The bill amends Chapter 16-21 of the General Laws, titled "Health and Safety of Pupils," by introducing a new section, 16-21-24.1, which mandates that all public and private schools, certified educational institutions, colleges, and universities in the state that employ or enroll twenty (20) or more staff members and students in the aggregate develop, maintain, and annually review and update a comprehensive school safety and emergency response plan. This requirement takes effect on July 1, 2026, with the first submission of the plan due to the Department of Education, the chief of police or the highest-ranking officer of the local police department, and the director of public safety by August 1 of each calendar year.

The comprehensive safety plans must include provisions ensuring immediate and unobstructed access to all school facilities, including buildings, classrooms, and grounds, for law enforcement personnel and emergency medical personnel in response to emergencies. Schools may satisfy this requirement by implementing secure electronic entry systems, such as key fobs, card access, manual key access, or other approved means.

Local police chiefs or their designees are responsible for annually reviewing the submitted plans and may recommend changes or amendments. If a school or institution rejects or fails to implement any recommendations, the local police chief or designee must notify the Department of Education of the noncompliance by September 1 or as soon thereafter as discovered. The Department of Education, in consultation with the director of public safety, is tasked with promulgating rules and regulations to implement and enforce compliance with these provisions. The act will take effect upon passage.