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5/13/2025
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Senate approves Tikoian bill to require lifeguards, park rangers to be trained in Narcan use
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STATE HOUSE — The Senate today approved legislation (2025-S 0343A) introduced by Senate Majority Whip David P. Tikoian (D-Dist. 22, Smithfield, Lincoln, North Providence) that would require all full-time lifeguards, park and forest rangers who work at any public beach or facility to be trained in administering opioid antagonists, such as Narcan.
The measure now moves to the House of Representatives, which passed companion legislation (2025-H 5273A) introduced by Rep. William W. O’Brien (D-Dist. 54, North Providence).
The bill was introduced by Senator Tikoian at the request of North Providence High School student Brennan O’Connor, who proposed the legislation for his senior project. He approached Senator Tikoian and Representative O’Brien, who helped guide him through the committee process, ultimately bringing the bill to the floor of both chambers.
“It’s extremely encouraging for legislators when young people from our districts become engaged in the legislative process, motivated by their personal experiences,” said Senator Tikoian. “Brennan took the initiative to contact Representative O’Brien and myself to sponsor this bill, as a result of his experiences during summer employment at Lincoln Woods State Park.”
The bill would also require all state and municipal public beaches or facilities that employ lifeguards, park and forest rangers to keep available a minimum of four doses of opioid antagonist.
“This was an eye-opening experience to see firsthand how ideas become laws and I thank Senator Tikoian and Representative O’Brien for taking the time to work with me to pass this lifesaving bill,” said Brennan O’Connor. “Almost everyone has been touched by the opioid crisis in one way or another these days, and I felt it was critical to help protect people suffering from addiction issues. This bill will help prevent overdose deaths from happening, and hopefully, help people with substance use disorder get their lives back on track.”
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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