2021 -- S 0034

========

LC000327

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

____________

A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS

     Introduced By: Senators Miller, Coyne, Cano, Quezada, Murray, Valverde, DiMario, and
Acosta

     Date Introduced: January 19, 2021

     Referred To: Senate Education

     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:

     16-21-37. Sun safety.

     (a) Any person including, but not limited to, students, parents or school personnel may

possess and use a topical sunscreen product without a physician's note or prescription while on

school property or at a school-related event, or activity, to avoid overexposure to the sun, if the

product is regulated by the Federal Food and Drug Administration for over-the-counter use.

     (b) For the purposes of this section only, sunscreen is not to be considered an over-the-

counter medication.

     (c) Nothing in this section requires school personnel to assist pupils in applying sunscreen.

Nothing in this section shall make the school district or its personnel liable for any damages under

this section.

     (d) The school district may encourage schools to educate pupils on sun safety precautions.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

========

LC000327

========

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS

***

     This act would allow students in public schools to possess and use sunscreen without a

physician's note or prescription, if the product is regulated by the FDA for over-the-counter use.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

========

LC000327

========

LC000327 - Page 2 of 2