2019 -- H 5538

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LC001723

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION - HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS

     Introduced By: Representatives Mattiello, Alzate, Mendez, Serodio, and Noret

     Date Introduced: February 27, 2019

     Referred To: House Health, Education & Welfare

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 16-21 of the General Laws entitled "Health and Safety of Pupils" is

hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     16-21-23.2. Threat assessment teams and oversight committees.

     (a) Each local school board or committee shall adopt written policies for the

establishment of threat assessment teams, including the assessment of and intervention with

individuals whose behavior may pose a threat to the safety of school staff or students consistent

with the model policies developed by the school safety committee. Such policies shall include

procedures for referrals to community services or health care providers for evaluation or

treatment when appropriate.

     (b) The superintendent of each school district shall establish a district committee charged

with oversight of the threat assessment teams operating within the district, which may be an

existing committee established by the district. The committee shall include individuals with

expertise in guidance, counseling, school administration, mental health, and law enforcement.

     (c) Each district superintendent shall establish, for each school, a threat assessment team

that shall include persons with expertise in guidance, counseling, school administration, mental

health, and law enforcement. Threat assessment teams may be established to serve schools as

determined by the district superintendent. Each team shall:

     (1) Provide guidance to students, faculty, and staff regarding recognition of threatening or

aberrant behavior that may represent a threat to the community, school, or self;

     (2) Identify members of the school community to whom threatening behavior should be

reported; and

     (3) Implement policies adopted by the local school board or committee pursuant to

subsection (a) of this section.

     (d) Upon preliminary determination that a student poses a threat of violence or physical

harm to self or others, a threat assessment team shall immediately report its determination to the

district superintendent or designee. The building administrator or designee may, if appropriate,

attempt to notify the student's parent or legal guardian. Nothing in this subsection shall preclude

school district personnel from acting immediately to address an imminent threat.

     (e) No member of a threat assessment team shall disclose any information obtained

pursuant to this section or otherwise use any record of an individual beyond the purpose for

which such disclosure was made to the threat assessment team.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION - HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS

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     This act would establish that school boards are to adopt policies for threat assessments

and the establishment of threat assessment teams. The superintendent of each school district shall

establish an oversight committee for the threat assessment teams.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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