2021 -- H 5832

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LC001799

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS

     

     Introduced By: Representative Gregg Amore

     Date Introduced: February 24, 2021

     Referred To: House Education

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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

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hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

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     16-21-37. Basic emergency and response skills for teachers.

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     (a) At least eighty percent (80%) of Rhode Island teachers in each district shall have been

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trained in the basic emergency and response skills ("BEARS") curriculum, including, hands-only

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cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Heimlich maneuver, and bleeding control, within the last three (3)

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years.

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     (b) In the school year 2021-2022, the BEARS curriculum will also include safety training

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related to SARS-COV-2.

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     (c) The BEARS training requirements shall phase into effect over a three (3) year

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timeframe. One third (⅓) of all Rhode Island teachers shall be required to complete "BEARS"

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teacher training every year, until at least eighty percent (80%) of teachers in each district have been

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trained once during the school years 2021-2022, 2022-2023, and 2023-2024.

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     (d) Time spent by teachers receiving initial and refresher training in BEARS shall count

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towards professional development requirements.

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     (e) The Rhode Island department of education will verify that the required percentage of

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teachers in each school district have been trained in the BEARS curriculum; however, each

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individual school district shall have autonomy over how the curriculum is implemented within each

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district.

 

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     (f) A teacher or other school personnel, who has completed BEARS training, who renders

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emergency care on school grounds, school buildings, or in school functions, shall not be liable to

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the person assisted, for civil damages for any injuries which result from acts or omissions by the

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person rendering the emergency care of administration of subjects covered by the BEARS

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curriculum, which may constitute ordinary negligence. The immunity provided in this subsection

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does not apply to acts or omissions constituting gross, willful or wanton negligence.

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     (g) The provisions of this section shall not be construed to require any teacher or other

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school personnel to render emergency first aid.

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     (h) Each school district shall, from funds not otherwise allocated during the fiscal year,

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provide funding for each faculty member trained, at a rate determined in the state budget.

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     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 require that one third (1/3) of all Rhode Island teachers, for the next three

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(3) years trained in the basic emergency and response skills curriculum ("BEARS"), specifically in

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hand-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Heimlich maneuver, and bleeding control.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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