2026 -- H 7898

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LC005774

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS

     Introduced By: Representative Anthony J. DeSimone

     Date Introduced: February 27, 2026

     Referred To: House 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:

     16-21-44. Weapon detection systems in schools.

     (a) Definitions. For purposes of this section:

     (1) “Public entrance” means the main entrance to any school building, gymnasium, school

event facility, sporting event site and any site where a school hosts or participates in an event even

if off campus.

     (2) “School” means any private or public institution of elementary or secondary (K-12

grade) education, accredited or recognized as a private or public school by the state department of

education, to include every charter school, independent school and mayoral academy as defined in

chapters 77.1 through 77.4 of title 16.

     (3) “Weapon detection system” means a walk-through security technology or integrated

set of devices designated to detect, through electronic, visual or analytical means the presence of

weapons including, but not limited to, firearms and hazardous objects. Such system shall be capable

of detecting the presence of weapons irrespective of whether such weapons are carried by or

otherwise in the possession or control of an individual.

     (b) Commencing January 1, 2027, every school, all school facilities and buildings, as well

as sponsored or associated school events, and school-involved sporting and athletic field events

and auditoriums shall have installed weapons detection systems at every public entrance. All public

entrances that do not have a weapons detection system installed shall be locked and/or equipped

with alarms in order to prevent entry from the outside, but shall remain operable from the inside to

comply with the fire safety code.

     (c) In consultation and cooperation with the office of the attorney general, state law

enforcement and the Rhode Island department of education, shall provide training in the use and

maintenance of all weapon detection systems to school officials who shall use the equipment and

protocol for responding when contraband is detected.

     (d) The Rhode Island department of education, shall promulgate rules and regulations to

implement the provisions of this section.

     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 the installation and use of a weapons detection system at every

public entrance to any school building, gymnasium, school event facility, sporting event site and

any site where a school hosts or participates in an event even if off campus.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC005774

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