The bill amends Section 16-21-23 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-21, titled "Health and Safety of Pupils," to enhance school safety protocols. 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 due by September 1 each year. The bill establishes a Rhode Island school emergency response committee, comprised of eight members, tasked with developing security measures and reporting to the General Assembly annually on 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 increases the membership of the existing school safety committee from twelve to thirteen members and requires the committee to report on the creation and implementation of a five-year plan that includes various school security measures, such as limiting access to school facilities and mandating armed police coverage.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a rapid response team/SWAT team for each city or town police department, focusing 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 for armed police coverage in schools and for the procurement of weapons and equipment for the rapid response teams.

Lastly, the bill stipulates that meetings and documents related to the school safety and security committees are exempt from open meetings and public records laws, ensuring confidentiality in their operations. This act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7731: 16-21-23