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SB 2209

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Appollonio and 9 co-sponsors

The bill creates a statewide safety framework including risk assessments, an emergency-response committee, armed security with dedicated funding, and rapid-response teams for RI K-

06/19/2026 Signed by Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2209

Overview

SB 2209 (Rhode Island, 2026) seeks to strengthen school safety and security across all RI K-12 schools. It expands and formalizes risk assessments, creates a dedicated state-level safety committee, establishes procedures for school safety planning, and adds armed security measures and rapid-response capabilities. The bill requires ongoing assessments, creates reporting obligations, and directs funding to support armed security, rapid response teams, and related training.

Purpose and intent

  • Improve safety and emergency readiness in all RI public schools.
  • Establish a structured framework for risk assessment, planning, and crisis response.
  • Provide dedicated funding and resources for enhanced security measures and armed security personnel.
  • Create formal coordination among state police, local police, school officials, and safety experts.

Key provisions

A. School safety assessments (16-21-23)

  • School districts must conduct a comprehensive safety assessment for each school, in collaboration with local police, fire, and a school safety team.
  • Assessments must be completed within 30 days of passage and every three years thereafter, with reporting due by September 1 (the text notes “year” twice; the intended cadence appears to be every three years).
  • A Rhode Island school safety committee is established to training, review hazard assessments, and provide guidance to districts.
  • Committee composition (12 members) includes state police leadership, Police Chiefs’ Association, RI Emergency Management, DESE, associations of superintendents, behavioral health, Fire Marshal, and teacher representatives from NEARI and RIFTHP.
  • School districts must submit all-hazards site safety survey reports to the committee every three years.
  • Final assessments must be reported to leadership (Speaker of the House, Senate President, Governor) by December 31 of the year the assessment is completed.
  • Open meetings and public records exemptions apply to safety assessment meetings and documents.

B. School safety plan (b)

  • Each district must review and adopt a comprehensive school safety plan in executive session.
  • Plans are developed by a school safety team that includes school board members, students, teachers, parents, safety personnel, administrators, and local law enforcement/fire/EM responders.
  • Plans should align with a DESE model school safety plan.

C. School crisis response team (c)

  • A school crisis response team will address psychological and emotional needs post-incident.
  • Team members may access DESE mental health resources and coordinate services for students and staff affected by violence.

D. Rhode Island school emergency-response committee (d)

  • Establishes an eight-member emergency-response committee to develop security measures and recommend legislation.
  • Committee includes RI State Police leadership, Police Chiefs’ Association, RI Emergency Management, DESE, RI School Superintendents Association, Fire Marshal, and two certified representatives from the firearms community (via NRA RI state association).
  • Required five-year plan outlining security measures:
    • Access control: IDs, bullet-resistant film/glass, surveillance.
    • Secondary classroom security: breach-resistant doors, ballistic film, alarms.
    • Mandating scheduling of armed police coverage for schools.
  • Committee must coordinate with state and local police to develop armed coverage schedules.
  • Committee must meet quarterly and report annually (Jan 31) on additional annual armed security costs.
  • State budget must include $500,000 annually for armed police coverage; cost-sharing between state and local agencies.
  • Exemptions from open meetings and public records apply.

E. Rapid response/SWAT teams (e)

  • Establishes a rapid response team/SWAT for each city/town police department.
  • Administered by RI State Police with local departments; responsible for active shooter and sniper training, and equipment/body armor.
  • Each local department must have at least six officers on the team and conduct emergency drills at least three times per year.
  • State budget must include $500,000 annually for weapons, equipment, and training for these teams.
  • Open meetings and public records exemptions apply.

Who would be affected

  • All school districts, towns, cities, and regional school departments in Rhode Island.
  • Students, teachers, school staff, and administrators, particularly those involved in safety planning and crisis response.
  • Local and state law enforcement, fire services, emergency management, and safety professionals.
  • NEARI and RIFTHP-affiliated teachers who are represented on the state safety committee.
  • Firearms community representatives participating in the emergency-response committee.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Assessments: within 30 days of passage and every three years; completed by Sept 1 each cycle; DESE to report progress by Dec 31 each year; early assessments count toward the requirement.
  • Reporting: annual updates on armed security cost implications to the General Assembly (Jan 31 each year).
  • Committees: multiple standing committees with specified compositions and ongoing quarterly or annual duties.
  • Funding: automatic recurring appropriations of $500,000 annually for armed security coverage and $500,000 annually for rapid response team needs; costs shared between state and local entities as applicable.
  • Legal protections: certain meetings and documents related to safety measures are exempt from open meetings and public records laws.

Potential impact

  • Substantial enhancement of safety infrastructure and preparedness in RI schools.
  • Increased collaboration between educational bodies and multiple safety agencies.
  • Significant ongoing costs for armed security, rapid response teams, training, and equipment; cost-sharing arrangements would affect state and local budgets.
  • Greater emphasis on psychological support following incidents through dedicated crisis-response teams.
  • Emergence of formal reporting and oversight mechanisms to the General Assembly on security measures and funding needs.

Note: Some drafting ambiguities exist (e.g., “three (3) years year” and cadence around the assessment schedule). The summary reflects the intent as written.

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

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