Mandates the use of a soft-shell helmet cover device that adds a padded, soft-shell layer to the outside of a traditional football helmet, for students participating in Rhode Island interscholastic league football

# Summary of Rhode Island Soft-Shell Football Helmet Cover Bill

This bill would require all students who play football through the Rhode Island Interscholastic League to use a soft-shell helmet cover on their football helmets. A soft-shell helmet cover is an additional padded layer that fits over the outside of a standard football helmet, designed to help reduce the impact of hits during play. The goal is to improve player safety and reduce the risk of head injuries, including concussions, for student athletes.

The bill would affect all high school and middle school football players who participate in interscholastic (school-versus-school) football programs across Rhode Island. Schools and football programs would be responsible for ensuring that players are equipped with these helmet covers. This could mean additional costs for school athletic departments to purchase the covers for their teams.

The bill was introduced in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and referred to the House Education Committee. After initial consideration, the committee recommended that the measure be held for further study, meaning lawmakers want more time to examine the proposal before deciding whether to move it forward. A hearing or further consideration is scheduled for March 2026.