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HB 7115

AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mia Ackerman and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island schools would implement updated health and safety standards and oversight to protect students’ well-being.

06/09/2026 Referred to Senate Education
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 7115

Bill Overview

  • Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
  • Session: 2026
  • Title: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS
  • Status: Introduced and referred to House Education (01/15/2026); recommended to be held for further study (03/10/2026); scheduled for consideration (05/19/2026)
  • Principal sponsors: Multiple lawmakers including Dick Fascia, Stephen Casey, Susan Donovan, Tom Noret, Chris Paplauskas, Julie Casimiro, Earl Read, Mia Ackerman, David Bennett, and Joseph McNamara

Purpose and Intent

The bill aims to address health and safety standards within Rhode Island schools. While specific statutory language is not provided in the summary, the act’s title indicates a focus on safeguarding pupils’ health and safety in the educational environment. The bill is introduced under the education committee and is likely intended to implement new requirements, guidelines, or oversight related to student well-being in schools.

Key Provisions (as described by title and status)

  • Health and Safety Standards: Establishes or updates requirements related to the health and safety of students in public and possibly non-public school settings.
  • School Environment Oversight: May authorize new procedures, monitoring, or reporting mechanisms to ensure safe school environments.
  • Health-Related Duties for Schools: Potential mandates for school districts or charter schools regarding health policy, safety drills, communicable disease response, or wellness programs.
  • Compliance and Enforcement: Likely includes timelines, accountability measures, and potential consequences for noncompliance, though specific enforcement language is not provided in the summary.
  • Coordination with Stakeholders: Given the broad sponsorship, provisions may involve coordination with local education agencies, health departments, and school personnel.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Students: Directly impacted as beneficiaries of enhanced health and safety measures.
  • School Districts and Charter Schools: Primary implementers responsible for adopting procedures, trainings, facilities standards, and reporting.
  • School Staff and Administrators: Obligated to follow updated health and safety protocols, participate in training, and conduct safety drills.
  • Parents and Guardians: May receive enhanced communications about health/safety policies and incidents.
  • Public Health and Education Agencies: Potential collaboration for implementation and oversight.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction: 01/15/2026
  • Committee Action: Referred to House Education; recommended to be held for further study (03/10/2026)
  • Scheduling: Planned consideration for 05/19/2026
  • Next Steps: If advanced, the bill would move to debate and potential vote in the House, followed by potential Senate consideration and governor action. Specific deadlines, rule qualifications, and fiscal notes would be determined in committee and floor proceedings.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Public Health Alignment: Bill would align school policies with state health and safety standards, potentially incorporating recent best practices in school safety, disease prevention, and emergency readiness.
  • Resource Implications: Depending on the provisions, districts may incur costs for facility upgrades, training, safety equipment, or data reporting systems.
  • Equity Considerations: Effective implementation would require attention to disparate impacts across districts, ensuring all students benefit from improved health and safety regardless of school size or resources.
  • Fiscal Notes: Not provided in the summary; a fiscal impact assessment would clarify funding needs for districts and state support.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize specific provisions once the bill text is available or compare it with prior Rhode Island health and safety education statutes for context.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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