reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21 - Health and Safety of Pupils › Section 16-21-36. - Duty to report — Posting child abuse hotline telephone number.

§ 16-21-36. Duty to report — Posting child abuse hotline telephone number.
Each public or private school in the state shall post a notice that contains the statewide, toll-free telephone number, established and implemented by the department of children, youth and families pursuant to § 40-11-3 for the receipt of reports concerning the suspicion of child abuse and neglect or that a child has been a victim of sexual abuse by another child, in a conspicuous, high-traffic area accessed and widely used by the students in each school.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 63, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 465, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21 - Health and Safety of Pupils › Section 16-21-38. - Availability of feminine hygiene products.

§ 16-21-38. Availability of feminine hygiene products.
(a)
By the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year, all public schools maintaining any combination of classes from grade five (5) through grade twelve (12), inclusive, shall make feminine hygiene products available in the school as follows:
(1)
Feminine products shall be available in all gender-neutral bathrooms and any bathroom designated for females;
(2)
Feminine products shall be available at no cost to students.
(b)
For the purposes of this section, “feminine hygiene products” includes tampons and sanitary napkins.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 154, § 1, effective July 2, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 155, § 1, effective July 2, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21 - Health and Safety of Pupils › Section 16-21-39. - Sun safety.

§ 16-21-39. 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. Notwithstanding the foregoing, children enrolled in grades kindergarten through five (K-5) may only possess sunscreen on school property or at a school-related event or activity with a note from a parent or guardian.
(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.
(d)
The school district may encourage schools to educate pupils on sun safety precautions.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 311, § 1, effective July 9, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 312, § 1, effective July 9, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.1 - Transportation of School Pupils Beyond City and Town Limits [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-21.1-1. - General purposes.

§ 16-21.1-1. General purposes.
This chapter shall be construed and applied to:
(1)
Create a state plan for the busing of pupils beyond city or town limits, in recognition of the legislative policy to encourage the establishment of and continuance of consolidated and regional schools;
(2)
Provide a unified statewide busing service;
(3)
Afford to pupils who attend public schools the opportunity at the election of the school committee of the city or town in which the pupils reside to attend a public school, either full time or part time, outside of the city or town which provides a program or curriculum not available within the city or town in which the pupil resides, as authorized by § 16-3.1-1 et seq.;
(4)
Afford to children with disabilities equal educational opportunity;
(5)
Afford bus transportation to pupils who attend nonpublic nonprofit schools which are consolidated, regionalized, or otherwise established to serve residents of a specific area within the state, and who may be counted for purposes of reimbursement to cities and towns under the state aid formula provided by § 16-7-22 et seq.;
(6)
Conserve valuable natural resources by reducing the number of vehicles necessary to transport pupils to school; and
(7)
Provide for the transportation of public school students who attend schools located outside of the city or town in which they reside, to protect the health, safety, and welfare of pupils who live at such distances from the schools which they attend as to make it impractical or hazardous to require the pupil to walk to school.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 149, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 25; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 25.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.1 - Transportation of School Pupils Beyond City and Town Limits [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-21.1-3. - Variances permitted.

§ 16-21.1-3. Variances permitted.
(a)
Variances to require a city or town to provide bus transportation to a pupil who attends a school, except a special education facility, outside the region in which the pupil resides shall be granted by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education if he or she finds that:
(1)
There is no similar school within the region;
(2)
The transportation is necessary to provide an educational opportunity which the pupil has a right to pursue; and
(3)
The school building which the pupil attends is within fifteen (15) miles of the city or town of which the pupil is a resident.
(b)
Variances to require a city or town to provide bus transportation to a pupil entitled to enrollment in a special education program, provided in accord with regulations of the board of regents for elementary and secondary education, shall be granted by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education if he or she finds that the transportation is necessary in order that the pupil enroll in a special education facility located outside of the region and there is no similar facility within the region.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 149, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.1 - Transportation of School Pupils Beyond City and Town Limits [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-21.1-4. - Duties of school committees.

§ 16-21.1-4. Duties of school committees.
It shall be the duty of the respective school committees of the city or town to provide the bus transportation required by this chapter, either by the use of its own bus facilities and personnel or by contract. School committees may enter into contracts as they deem necessary in order to accomplish the requirements of this chapter, and may enter into cooperative agreements with other school committees for the purposes of conforming to the requirements of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 149, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.1 - Transportation of School Pupils Beyond City and Town Limits [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-21.1-5. - Hearings — Commissioner of elementary and secondary education.

§ 16-21.1-5. Hearings — Commissioner of elementary and secondary education.
All controversies arising out of application of any provision of this chapter shall be determined by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education or his or her designated hearing officer who shall afford a hearing to the pupil and school committee concerned, and, after a hearing, shall render a decision. The decision of the commissioner, or the grant or denial of a variance shall be final except that the pupil or school committee aggrieved by the decision or the grant or denial of a variance shall have a right of appeal to the superior court which shall affirm the decision or the grant or denial of a variance unless it is clearly erroneous or contrary to law.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 149, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 369, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.1 - Transportation of School Pupils Beyond City and Town Limits [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-21.1-6. - Repealer.

§ 16-21.1-6. Repealer.
All acts or parts of acts and all regulations relating to or providing for transportation of pupils beyond city or town limits, except as provided in this chapter, are repealed and are null and void.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 149, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.1 - Transportation of School Pupils Beyond City and Town Limits [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-21.1-7. - Repealed.

§ 16-21.1-7. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 266, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 553, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 229, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 237, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 5, art. 12, § 2; P.L. 2010, ch. 23, art. 8, § 3; Repealed by P.L. 2011, ch. 151, art. 10, § 1, effective June 30, 2011.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.1 - Transportation of School Pupils Beyond City and Town Limits [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-21.1-9. - Oversight of statewide transportation system.

§ 16-21.1-9. Oversight of statewide transportation system.
Upon implementation of the statewide system of transportation, the department of elementary and secondary education shall manage and oversee the system in collaboration with the office of statewide planning at the department of administration, and the Rhode Island public transit authority. Should outsourcing of this function be deemed more efficient, management of the system may be delegated to an outside consultant through a competitive request for proposals.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 5, art. 12, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.2 - The Rhode Island Substance Abuse Prevention Act › Section 16-21.2-1. - Short title.

§ 16-21.2-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known as “The Rhode Island Substance Abuse Prevention Act”.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 375, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.2 - The Rhode Island Substance Abuse Prevention Act › Section 16-21.2-2. - Declaration of purpose.

§ 16-21.2-2. Declaration of purpose.
In recognition of the growing problem of substance use and abuse that municipalities face the purpose of this chapter is as follows:
(1)
To promote the opportunity for municipalities to establish a comprehensive substance abuse prevention program addressing the specific needs of each individual municipality.
(2)
To encourage the development of partnership among municipal governments, school systems, parents, and human service providers to serve the interest of the community in addressing the need for a comprehensive substance abuse prevention program.
(3)
To promote a substance abuse prevention program in every community.
(4)
To provide financial assistance for the planning, establishment, and operation of substance abuse prevention programs.
(5)
To encourage municipal governments, in cooperation with school systems and human services organizations to jointly assess the extent of the substance abuse problem in their community.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 375, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.2 - The Rhode Island Substance Abuse Prevention Act › Section 16-21.2-3. - Authority of municipal governments.

§ 16-21.2-3. Authority of municipal governments.
(a)
All municipal governments or their designated agents shall have the power to establish, operate, conduct, and/or make provision for programs to provide a comprehensive substance abuse prevention program.
(b)
The appropriate municipal authority shall adopt rules and regulations governing the substance abuse prevention program including an application and contracting procedure by which qualified groups may apply to operate a substance abuse prevention program.
(c)
Substance abuse prevention programs shall comply with all applicable provisions of the general laws with all applicable state rules and regulations.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 375, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 418, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.2 - The Rhode Island Substance Abuse Prevention Act › Section 16-21.2-4. - Substance abuse prevention program.

§ 16-21.2-4. Substance abuse prevention program.
(a)
The department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals shall be charged with the administration of this chapter and shall provide grants to assist in the planning, establishment, and operation of substance abuse prevention programs. Grants under this section shall be made to municipal governments or their designated agents according to the following guidelines:
(1)
The maximum grant shall be one hundred twenty-five thousand dollars ($125,000); provided, however, in the event that available funding exceeds $1.6 million in a fiscal year, those surplus funds are to be divided proportionately among the cities and towns on a per capita basis but in no event shall the city of Providence exceed a maximum grant cap of $175,000.00.
(2)
In order to obtain a grant, the municipality or its designated agent must in the first year:
(i)
Demonstrate the municipality’s need for a comprehensive substance abuse program in the areas of prevention and education.
(ii)
Demonstrate that the municipality has established by appropriate legislative or executive action, a substance abuse prevention council which shall assist in assessing the needs and resources of the community, developing a three (3) year plan of action addressing the identified needs, the operation and implementation of the overall substance abuse prevention program; coordinating existing services such as law enforcement, prevention, treatment, and education; consisting of representatives of the municipal government, representatives of the school system, parents, and human service providers.
(iii)
Demonstrate the municipality’s ability to develop a plan of implementation of a comprehensive three (3) year substance abuse prevention program based on the specific needs of the community to include high risk populations of adolescents, children of substance abusers, and primary education school aged children.
(iv)
Agree to conduct a survey/questionnaire of the student population designed to establish the extent of the use and abuse of drugs and alcohol in students throughout the local community’s school population.
(v)
Demonstrate that at least twenty percent (20%) of the cost of the proposed program will be contributed either in cash or in-kind by public or private resources within the municipality.
(b)
The department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals shall adopt rules and regulations necessary and appropriate to carry out the purposes of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 375, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 67, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 418, § 2; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 14, § 8; P.L. 2013, ch. 501, § 33.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.2 - The Rhode Island Substance Abuse Prevention Act › Section 16-21.2-5. - Funding of substance abuse prevention program.

§ 16-21.2-5. Funding of substance abuse prevention program.
(a)
Money to fund the Rhode Island Substance Abuse Prevention Act shall be appropriated from state general revenues and shall be raised by assessing an additional penalty of thirty dollars ($30.00) for all speeding violations as set forth in § 31-43-5.1. The money shall be deposited as general revenues. The department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals may utilize up to ten percent (10%) of the sums appropriated for the purpose of administering the substance abuse prevention program.
(b)
Grants made under this chapter shall not exceed money available in the substance abuse prevention program.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 375, § 1; P.L. l988, ch. 569, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 418, § 2; P.L. 1993, ch. 138, art. 26, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 14, § 8; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 177; P.L. 2000, ch. 109, § 27; P.L. 2013, ch. 501, § 33.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.2 - The Rhode Island Substance Abuse Prevention Act › Section 16-21.2-6. - Timetable for grant applications and disbursement.

§ 16-21.2-6. Timetable for grant applications and disbursement.
The department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals shall establish guidelines and criteria for the acceptance of grant applications and the disbursement of grants.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 375, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 418, § 2; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 14, § 8; P.L. 2013, ch. 501, § 33.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.2 - The Rhode Island Substance Abuse Prevention Act › Section 16-21.2-7. - Use of funds restricted to substance abuse prevention.

§ 16-21.2-7. Use of funds restricted to substance abuse prevention.
All funds awarded to municipal governments under the provisions of this chapter shall be held in a separate account and not placed in the municipal government’s general fund and shall only be used in furtherance of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 375, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.2 - The Rhode Island Substance Abuse Prevention Act › Section 16-21.2-8. - The duties of the director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.

§ 16-21.2-8. The duties of the director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.
The director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals or his or her designated agent shall make an annual report by September 1 of each year to the governor and the general assembly on the administration of the program.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 375, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 418, § 2; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 14, § 8; P.L. 2013, ch. 501, § 33.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.2 - The Rhode Island Substance Abuse Prevention Act › Section 16-21.2-9. - Permanent legislative oversight commission on substance abuse prevention.

§ 16-21.2-9. Permanent legislative oversight commission on substance abuse prevention.
There is established a permanent legislative oversight commission on substance abuse prevention whose purpose it shall be to oversee the implementation and administration of the Rhode Island Substance Abuse Prevention Act and to advise and make recommendations to the general assembly as to the adequacy and efficiency of all statutes, rules, regulations, guidelines, practices, and programs relating to substance abuse prevention. The commission shall consist of twelve (12) members: five (5) members shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives from among the members of the house of representatives, not more than four (4) of whom shall be from the same political party; three (3) members shall be appointed by the president of the senate from among the members of the senate, not more than two (2) of whom shall be from the same political party; and one member (ex officio) shall be the director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals and one member (ex officio) shall be the director of the department of health or designee; and a Rhode Island Substance Abuse Prevention Act task force member to be appointed by the chairperson of the commission; and a public member appointed by the chairperson of the commission. The chairperson of the commission shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives. Members of the commission shall serve without compensation, except that they shall be allowed their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties under this section. The commission may request and shall receive from any instrumentality of the state, including the division of substance abuse of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals and from any municipality or any instrumentality of a municipality, any information and assistance that it deems necessary for the proper execution of its powers and duties under this section. The commission shall meet at least quarterly and shall report at least annually to the general assembly on its findings and recommendations with respect to:
(1)
All existing substance abuse prevention programs;
(2)
All rules, regulations, and guidelines promulgated pursuant to the Rhode Island Substance Abuse Prevention Act;
(3)
Administration of the Rhode Island Substance Abuse Prevention Act; and
(4)
Any other matters relating to substance abuse prevention efforts in the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 375, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 284, § 6; P.L. 1992, ch. 418, § 2; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 14, § 8; P.L. 2001, ch. 180, § 14; P.L. 2013, ch. 501, § 33.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.2 - The Rhode Island Substance Abuse Prevention Act › Section 16-21.2-10. - Severability.

§ 16-21.2-10. Severability.
If any provisions of this chapter are declared unconstitutional, or the applicability of any provisions to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the constitutionality of the remainder of this chapter and its applicability to other persons and circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 375, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.2 - The Rhode Island Substance Abuse Prevention Act › Section 16-21.2-11. - Devices prohibited.

§ 16-21.2-11. Devices prohibited.
(a)
Any student enrolled in any secondary or elementary school shall be prohibited from carrying, possessing or using a paging device of any kind or a laser pointer of any kind on school property, except with the written consent of the principal of the school in which the student is enrolled.
(b)
The penalty for violation of this section shall be the confiscation of the device.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 475, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 486, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.3 - The Rhode Island Student Assistance Junior High/Middle School Act › Section 16-21.3-1. - Declaration of purpose.

§ 16-21.3-1. Declaration of purpose.
In recognition of the growing problem of substance use and abuse among youth and that the average age of onset of substance use and abuse is middle school age, the purpose of this chapter is as follows:
(1)
To establish a student assistance program in every public junior high/middle school based upon the model currently operating successfully in Rhode Island high schools.
(2)
The student assistance program will address the following areas:
(i)
Identification and supportive services for high risk youth;
(ii)
Primary prevention programming in junior high/middle schools;
(iii)
Assessment and referral services for substance abuse problems;
(iv)
School staff training on integration of prevention/intervention program;
(v)
Parent and community programming for substance abuse prevention;
(vi)
Focused prevention/support groups for high risk youth;
(vii)
Development and integration of school substance abuse policy with prevention/intervention services;
(viii)
To promote integration between student assistance programs and community substance abuse prevention task forces.
(3)
To establish a pilot student assistance program in public elementary schools to the extent that funds are available from the junior high/middle school student assistance fund for that purpose.
(4)
To establish a student assistance program in every public high school to the extent that funds are available.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 486, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 65, art. 57, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.3 - The Rhode Island Student Assistance Junior High/Middle School Act › Section 16-21.3-2. - Junior high/middle school student assistance program.

§ 16-21.3-2. Junior high/middle school student assistance program.
(a)
The department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals shall be charged with the administration of this chapter and shall contract with appropriate substance abuse prevention/intervention agencies to provide student assistance services in junior high/middle schools.
(b)
Following the first complete year of operation, school systems receiving junior high/middle school student assistance services will be required to contribute twenty percent (20%) of the costs of student assistance counselors to the service provider agency in order to continue the services.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 486, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 418, § 3; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 14, § 9; P.L. 2013, ch. 501, § 36.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.3 - The Rhode Island Student Assistance Junior High/Middle School Act › Section 16-21.3-3. - Funding of junior high/middle school student assistance program.

§ 16-21.3-3. Funding of junior high/middle school student assistance program.
(a)
Money to fund this program shall be raised by assessing an additional substance abuse prevention assessment of thirty dollars ($30.00) for all moving motor vehicle violations handled by the traffic tribunal including, but not limited to, those violations set forth in § 31-41.1-4, except for speeding. The money shall be deposited in a restricted purpose receipt account separate from all other accounts within the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals. The restricted purpose receipt account shall be known as the junior high/middle school student assistance fund and the traffic tribunal shall transfer money from the junior high/middle school student assistance fund to the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals for the administration of the Rhode Island Student Assistance Junior High/Middle School Act.
(b)
The department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals may utilize up to ten percent (10%) of the sums collected from the additional penalty for the purpose of administering the program.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 486, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 65, art. 57, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 284, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 418, § 3; P.L. 1992, ch. 488, § 6; P.L. 1993, ch. 138, art. 26, § 2; P.L. 1994, ch. 70, art. 35, § 5; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 14, § 9; P.L. 2001, ch. 86, § 39; P.L. 2013, ch. 501, § 36.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.3 - The Rhode Island Student Assistance Junior High/Middle School Act › Section 16-21.3-4. - The duties of the director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.

§ 16-21.3-4. The duties of the director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.
The director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals or his or her designated agent shall make an annual report by September 1 of each year to the governor and general assembly on the administration of the program and shall submit to the governor and the general assembly the results of an independent evaluation of the substance abuse prevention program created in accordance with this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 486, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 418, § 3; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 14, § 9; P.L. 2001, ch. 86, § 39; P.L. 2013, ch. 501, § 36.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.3 - The Rhode Island Student Assistance Junior High/Middle School Act › Section 16-21.3-5. - Permanent legislative oversight commission on substance abuse prevention.

§ 16-21.3-5. Permanent legislative oversight commission on substance abuse prevention.
The established permanent legislative oversight commission on substance abuse prevention shall oversee the implementation and administration of this chapter and shall advise and make recommendations to the general assembly as to the adequacy and efficiency of all statutes, rules, regulations, guidelines, practices, and programs relating to substance abuse prevention. Members of the commission shall serve without compensation, except that they shall be allowed their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties under this section. The commission may request and shall receive from any instrumentality of the state, including the division of substance abuse services of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals, and from any municipality or any instrumentality of the municipality, any information and assistance it deems necessary for the proper execution of its powers and duties under this section. The commission shall meet at least quarterly and shall report at least annually to the general assembly on its findings and recommendations with respect to: (a) all existing substance abuse prevention programs; (b) all rules, regulations, and guidelines promulgated pursuant to this chapter; (c) administration of this chapter; (d) any other matters relating to substance abuse prevention efforts in the state. The legislative oversight commission shall have the authority to designate or commit after careful evaluation unexpended funds from this chapter and chapter 21.2 of this title to appropriate substance abuse prevention programming and/or planning.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 486, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 418, § 3; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 14, § 9; P.L. 2013, ch. 501, § 36.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.4 - Performance-Enhancing Dietary Supplements and High School Athletes › Section 16-21.4-1. - Performance-enhancing dietary supplements.

§ 16-21.4-1. Performance-enhancing dietary supplements.
(a)
For the purposes of this chapter “performance-enhancing dietary supplement” means a dietary supplement designed or marketed to improve athletic performance or physical development by promoting body or muscle growth, stimulating or altering the cardiovascular system or the central nervous system, altering the perception of pain, or otherwise enhancing athletic performance or physical development above levels that would be anticipated under normal conditions with appropriate nourishment;
(b)
“Performance-enhancing dietary supplement” does not include a dietary supplement in which the only ingredients consist of one or more of the following:
(1)
Vitamins or minerals.
(2)
Authorized food additives, color additives, ingredients authorized by prior sanction, or those classified as generally recognized as safe for use in foods as defined in the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. Sec. 301 et seq.), and accompanying federal regulations, except for caffeine in excess of 200 milligrams per serving, if these ingredients are used in a dietary supplement at the levels, and for the purposes, for which they may be used in foods.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 244, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 246, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.4 - Performance-Enhancing Dietary Supplements and High School Athletes › Section 16-21.4-2. - Sponsorship by or promotion of performance-enhancing dietary supplement prohibited.

§ 16-21.4-2. Sponsorship by or promotion of performance-enhancing dietary supplement prohibited.
(a)
No teacher, athletic director, sports coach, or other school official or employee may knowingly sell or distribute to students or knowingly promote the use by students of any performance-enhancing dietary supplement.
(b)
No high school or public or private university or college may accept any sponsorship or other payment from a performance-enhancing dietary supplement manufacturer to promote such manufacturer’s performance-enhancing dietary supplement.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 244, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 246, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.4 - Performance-Enhancing Dietary Supplements and High School Athletes › Section 16-21.4-3. - Development of list of performance-enhancing dietary supplements.

§ 16-21.4-3. Development of list of performance-enhancing dietary supplements.
(a)
The director of the department of health, in consultation with the commissioner of the state department of elementary and secondary education shall develop a list of performance-enhancing dietary supplements for the purposes of this chapter. The list shall be developed on or before January 1, 2007, and may be amended by the director of the department of health at any time. The director of the department of health shall submit the list to the director of the department of elementary and secondary education on or before January 1, 2007. Upon receipt of this list, the department of elementary and secondary education shall notify each school district that contains grades 9 to 12, inclusive, that this list has been completed and shall post the list on its website. Any amendments to this list shall be submitted to the department of elementary and secondary education no later than December 31 of the year in which the amendments are made. Upon receipt of amendments to this list, the department of elementary and secondary education shall annually notify each school district that contains grades 9 to 12, inclusive, that this list has been amended and shall post the amended list on its website.
(b)
In developing this list, the director of the department of health shall refer to the existing lists of prohibited substances used by collegiate, professional, or Olympic sports organizations and shall develop the list so that it is appropriate to interscholastic sports.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 244, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 246, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.4 - Performance-Enhancing Dietary Supplements and High School Athletes › Section 16-21.4-4. - Education of coaches relating to performance-enhancing dietary supplements.

§ 16-21.4-4. Education of coaches relating to performance-enhancing dietary supplements.
(a)
Effective September 1, 2006, each mandatory first aid course for athletic coaches required pursuant to § 16-11-1 shall include health information relating to performance-enhancing dietary supplements consistent with the purposes of this chapter.
(b)
For the purposes of this section, “high school sports coach” means an employee or a volunteer who is authorized by a high school to be responsible for leading a school sports team of pupil athletes.
(c)
Upon completion of this program, a high school sports coach shall be deemed to have completed the education requirement relating to this chapter for the remainder of his or her time coaching at the high school level in any school district in the state.
(d)
If an existing coach is unavailable to lead his or her team, a substitute coach who does not meet the requirements of subdivision (a) may be used for no longer than one season of interscholastic competition.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 244, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 246, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.5 - Student Interrogations › Section 16-21.5-1. - Legislative intent.

§ 16-21.5-1. Legislative intent.
(a)
Community policing and the presence of school resource officers on school campuses serve a vital role fostering a safe learning environment for pupils, faculty and staff.
(b)
In order to enable school resource officers to more effectively fulfill this role, it is the intent of the legislature to encourage them to form positive relationships with both parents and pupils who are part of the school community.
(c)
It is also vitally important that parents be given meaningful opportunity to be active and informed participants in situations involving interaction with school resource officers or other members of the law enforcement community in the school setting.
(d)
In furtherance of this objective, it is the intent of the legislature to increase the level of participation of parents when their minor children are being questioned by law enforcement in school or at a school-sponsored activity.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 409, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.5 - Student Interrogations › Section 16-21.5-2. - Procedure for interrogating elementary students.

§ 16-21.5-2. Procedure for interrogating elementary students.
(a)
Before making an elementary school pupil available to a law enforcement officer for the purpose of being questioned, the principal of the elementary school, or his or her designee, shall take immediate steps to obtain the oral consent of the parent or guardian of the pupil to permit the questioning.
(b)
If the parent or guardian requests that the pupil not be questioned until he or she can be present, the pupil may not be made available to the law enforcement officer for questioning until the parent or guardian is present.
(c)
If school officials are unable, after reasonable efforts undertaken within a period not to exceed one hour, to contact a parent or guardian in order to obtain consent pursuant to this subdivision, a school administrator, school counselor, or school teacher who is reasonably available and selected by the pupil, shall be present during the questioning.
(d)
If the school administrator, school counselor, or school teacher selected by the pupil declines to be present during the questioning, the principal, or his or her designee, shall be present during the questioning.
(e)
In those cases in which school officials are unable to contact the pupil’s parent or guardian, after the questioning has been completed, the principal or his or her designee shall immediately notify the parent or guardian that the questioning has occurred and make the staff member who was present during the questioning available to inform the parent or guardian about questioning.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 409, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.5 - Student Interrogations › Section 16-21.5-3. - Procedure for interrogating high school students.

§ 16-21.5-3. Procedure for interrogating high school students.
(a)
Before making a high school pupil under eighteen (18) years of age available to a law enforcement officer for the purpose of questioning, the principal of the school, or his or her designee, shall inform the pupil that the pupil has the right to request that his or her parent or guardian or an adult family member, or person on the list of emergency contacts for the pupil be present during the questioning.
(b)
If the person selected by the pupil cannot be made available within a reasonable period of time, not exceeding one hour, or declines to be present at the questioning, the principal or his or her designee shall inform the pupil that the pupil may select as an alternate, a school administrator, school counselor, or school teacher who is reasonably available to be present during the questioning.
(c)
If the person selected by the pupil declines to be present during the questioning, the principal, or his or her designee, shall so inform the pupil and advise the pupil that the principal, or his or designee, will be present during the questioning if the pupil so requests.
(d)
If the pupil exercises his or her right, pursuant to this subsection, to have one of the persons designated in paragraph (a), (b) or (c) present during the questioning, the pupil may not be made available to the law enforcement officer for questioning until that person is present.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 409, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.5 - Student Interrogations › Section 16-21.5-5. - Definition of elementary and high school students.

§ 16-21.5-5. Definition of elementary and high school students.
For the purposes of this chapter, “elementary school pupils” are the pupils who are enrolled in kindergarten or any grades 1 to 8, inclusive. “High school pupils” are the pupils who are enrolled in any grades 9 to 12, inclusive.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 409, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.6 - Internet Filtering in Schools › Section 16-21.6-1. - Internet filtering.

§ 16-21.6-1. Internet filtering.
(a)
“Internet-filtering measures” means the use of a specific technology or program to block or filter access to websites on the internet.
(b)
Each school district shall adopt the model, written policy developed by the department of education, pursuant to subsection (e), addressing the use of internet filtering measures for computer access in its schools. Any such policy shall:
(1)
Include the specific categories of websites that are blocked by the internet filtering measures in use; the basis for including those categories; and the individuals who are responsible for making those decisions;
(2)
Establish a procedure for teachers to request that a blocked website be unblocked in a timely manner; and
(3)
Specify the criteria used for overruling a request to allow access to a website that is blocked by the internet-filtering measures, and require that the teacher making such a request be provided particular reasons any time a request is denied.
(c)
Each school district shall maintain a public record of any requests to allow access to a website that is blocked by the internet-filtering measures and the response provided, and submit an annual report to the school committee on the number of requests granted and denied to unblock a website.
(d)
Each school district shall annually review the requests made in the preceding year, pursuant to subsection (b)(2), for unblocking websites in order to determine whether the categories and standards contained in the policy adopted pursuant to subsection (b)(1) shall be revised.
(e)
The Rhode Island department of education shall develop a written, model internet-filtering policy for use by school districts, state schools, charter schools, and mayoral academies. The model plan shall include, but not be limited to, the provisions contained in subsections (b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(3), and to the extent consistent with federal law, promote academic freedom in the classroom, and shall be communicated to all school districts in the state for their use and posted on the department website.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 427, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 428, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.7 - The Nathan Bruno and Jason Flatt Act › Section 16-21.7-1. - Short title.

§ 16-21.7-1. Short title.
This act shall be known and may be cited as “The Nathan Bruno and Jason Flatt Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 131, § 1, effective July 2, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 132, § 1, effective July 2, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.7 - The Nathan Bruno and Jason Flatt Act › Section 16-21.7-2. - Training.

§ 16-21.7-2. Training.
(a)
The department of education shall adopt rules and regulations supporting suicide awareness and prevention training each year for public school personnel and students.
(b)(1)
Training shall be required of all personnel hired or contracted by the school district, including, but not limited to: teachers, administration, custodians, lunch personnel, substitutes, nurses, coaches and coaching staff, even if volunteers. The training shall occur every year.
(2)
Training shall be required of all students starting in grade six (6) and through grade twelve (12) each academic year.
(c)
Training may be provided within the framework of existing in-service training programs offered by the department of education or as part of professional development activities.
(d)(1)
The department of education shall, in consultation with the department of health, department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals, education and healthcare stakeholders, mental healthcare stakeholders, and suicide prevention experts, develop a list of approved training materials to fulfill the requirements of this chapter.
(2)
This list shall be fully evaluated and updated at least every three (3) years.
(3)
Approved training materials and instruction shall include training on how to identify appropriate mental health services both within the school and the larger community, and when and how to refer youth and their families to those services. These materials and instruction are to be given by qualified suicide prevention instructors as determined by the entities and groups listed in subsection (d)(1) of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 131, § 1, effective July 2, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 132, § 1, effective July 2, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.7 - The Nathan Bruno and Jason Flatt Act › Section 16-21.7-3. - Student suicide prevention policy.

§ 16-21.7-3. Student suicide prevention policy.
(a)
Each public school district shall adopt a policy on student suicide prevention. This policy shall, at a minimum, address procedures relating to suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. For the purposes of this chapter, “postvention” means counseling, or other social care given to students after another student’s suicide or attempted suicide. Postvention also means counseling to students that have made a suicide attempt or have reported ideation; this counseling shall consist of regular check-ins. For the purposes of this chapter, “regular” means a frequency as determined by a licensed mental health professional.
(b)
To assist school districts in developing policies for student suicide prevention, the department of education shall develop and maintain a model policy, or adopt an existing policy as a model policy, to serve as a guide for school districts in accordance with this chapter to include, but not limited to: parental notification procedures, clarification of engagement with student support personnel, and language defining an in-school issue compared to an out-of-school issue.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 131, § 1, effective July 2, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 132, § 1, effective July 2, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21.7 - The Nathan Bruno and Jason Flatt Act › Section 16-21.7-4. - Protection from litigation.

§ 16-21.7-4. Protection from litigation.
(a)
No person shall have a cause of action for any loss or damage caused by any act or omission resulting from the implementation of the provisions of this chapter or resulting from any training required by this chapter, or lack thereof, unless caused by willful or wanton misconduct.
(b)
The training required by the provisions of this chapter, or lack thereof, shall not be construed to impose any specific duty of care except as expressly provided for herein.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 131, § 1, effective July 2, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 132, § 1, effective July 2, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-1. - Repealed.

§ 16-22-1. Repealed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 177, § 11; P.L. 1940, ch. 826, § 1; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 16-22-1; Repealed by P.L. 1996, ch. 404, § 15, effective August 9, 1996.