 |
|
1/29/2026
|
Sen. Dimitri introduces bill to improve school safety statewide
|
 STATE HOUSE — Sen. Andrew R. Dimitri has introduced legislation to improve safety at Rhode Island’s public schools by establishing a school emergency response committee to develop statewide facility safety and emergency response standards.
“Many of our school buildings and facilities are outdated, old and in need of renovation to provide adequate security for our students. At Brown University we saw up close the heartbreaking results when an individual gains access to an unsecured school building with the intent to do harm,” said Senator Dimitri (D-Dist. 25, Johnston). “A committee of experts reporting regularly to the General Assembly will be able to provide guidance on school security measures and recommendations for how to fund them, ensuring statewide standards that keep our children safe.”
The bill (2026-S 2209) would establish an eight-person school emergency response committee tasked with developing a five-year plan for statewide school security standards, including measures to secure facility access, protect classrooms and schedule armed police coverage.
The committee would also report annually to the General Assembly on school facility safety measures that might need legislation to implement.
The bill would also provide in the state budget $500,000 annually to cover the cost of police protection in schools, and another $500,000 annually to cover the costs of equipment and training to ensure each city and town police department has a rapid response or SWAT team.
“SWAT training and funding is extremely important because if preventative measures fail, the only way to stop tragedies in our schools is to ensure a properly armed and trained police response to neutralize any threats before they get out of hand,” said Senator Dimitri. “I hope my colleagues will join me in this important step towards preventing future tragedies in Rhode Island’s schools.”
For more information, contact:
Tristan Grau, Publicist
State House Room B20
Providence, RI 02903
401.222.4935
|
|