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6/11/2026
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Assembly approves Sen. Dimitri, Rep. Read bill to add school resource officer to RI School Safety Committee
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STATE HOUSE — The General Assembly yesterday passed legislation from Sen. Andrew R. Dimitri and Rep. Earl A. Read III to add a school resource officer to the Rhode Island School Safety Committee.
“School resource officers exist at the intersection of law enforcement and education, making them uniquely suited to contribute to school safety policy. And no one understands the issues impacting the physical security of school sites like they do,” said Senator Dimitri (D-Dist. 25, Johnston). “Their addition to our state’s school safety committee is overdue and I’m excited for this bill to elevate their voices on this vital issue.”
Representative Read (D-Dist. 26, Coventry, West Warwick, Warwick), who served for 23 years with the Warwick Police Department, has taught at Coventry High School for the last nine years and witnessed SRO’s positive impact on students and school environments and stressed the importance of having them on the Commission.
“Our state school safety committee represents a broad range of experience and expertise relating to education, law enforcement and emergency management. The committee will further benefit from the addition of a school resource officer, who will bring a unique and informed perspective on how to better to keep our children and teachers safe,” said Representative Read.
The Rhode Island School Safety Committee is composed of 12 members representing the fields of law enforcement, emergency management, education, fire and behavioral health. The committee establishes best practices for school safety, provides training and professional development, performs school site surveys and assists school districts with school crisis plans, lockdown drills and evacuation drills.
The legislation (2026-S 2209A, 2026-H 7731A) would expand the committee’s membership from 12 to 13 to add a representative of the Rhode Island School Resource Officer Association to the committee.
The bill now goes to the governor for his consideration.
For more information, contact:
Tristan Grau, Publicist
State House Room B20
Providence, RI 02903
401.222.4935
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