Bill > S0236

This bill mandates that all students participating in Rhode Island interscholastic league football must wear an impact-reducing soft-shell helmet cover starting August 1, 2025. The bill defines these soft-shell helmet covers as devices designed to add a padded layer to traditional hard-shelled football helmets, with the goal of reducing the impact of collisions and minimizing concussions and other bodily trauma. School districts are required to provide these devices to students at no cost, though parents, guardians, or students over 18 can opt out of using them. The Rhode Island interscholastic league will be responsible for establishing rules and standards for selecting and using these helmet covers, and the bill applies to all public school districts and schools participating in interscholastic league football. Additionally, the bill allows the state legislature to appropriate funds to help schools purchase these devices. The legislation will take effect immediately upon passage, signaling the state's proactive approach to improving student athlete safety in football.

Education

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