Chapter 398

2013 -- S 0513

Enacted 07/15/13

A N A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION - HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS

Introduced By: Senators Lombardo, Sosnowski, Ottiano, Cool Rumsey, and Hodgson

Date Introduced: February 28, 2013

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 16-21-28 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-21 entitled "Health

and Safety of Pupils" is hereby amended to read as follows:

16-21-28. Health and wellness subcommittee. -- (a) The school committee of each

school district shall establish a district-wide coordinated school health and wellness

subcommittee chaired by a member of the full school committee. The subcommittee will make

recommendations regarding the district's health education curriculum and instruction, physical

education curriculum and instruction, and nutrition and physical activity policies to decrease

obesity and enhance the health and well being of students and employees.

      (b) The school health and wellness subcommittee shall consist of members of the general

public, a majority of whom are not employed by the school district, including at least one parent,

and are encouraged to include teachers; administrator; students; community and school-based

health professionals; business community representatives; and representatives of local and

statewide nonprofit health organizations. The subcommittee will be chaired by a member of the

school committee.

      (c) Nothing in this section shall preclude the school committee from reconstituting any

existing district-wide volunteer committees as the school health and wellness subcommittee so

long as said committee membership meets the requirements of this section.

      (d) The school health and wellness subcommittee shall be responsible for, but not limited

to, development of policies, strategies, and implementation plans that promote purchasing and

serving locally grown fruits, vegetables and dairy products and that meet the requirements of the

child nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004. The school health and wellness

subcommittee shall forward all recommendations regarding the district's health education

curriculum and instruction, physical education curriculum and instruction, nutrition policies, and

physical activity policies to the full school committee.

      (e) Reporting shall be consistent with requirements of section 16-7.1-2(h).

      (f) The Rhode Island department of elementary and secondary education and the Rhode

Island department of heath will provide technical assistance and support to the school health and

wellness subcommittees on best practices, professional development on coordinated school health

issues, suggested initiatives, and will support communication among the school health and

wellness subcommittees by sharing information on the activities, efforts, and experiences of

subcommittees across the state.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC01591

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