Requires mandatory training standards for police officers and trainees, in identifying, responding, and handling all incidents involving any person with a developmental disability.

## Plain-English Summary

This bill would have required Rhode Island police officers and police trainees to complete mandatory training on how to identify, respond to, and handle situations involving people with developmental disabilities. The training standards would have been established through the state's Commission on Standards and Training, which oversees police education requirements across Rhode Island.

The goal of the bill was to make sure that when police officers encounter someone with a developmental disability — such as autism, intellectual disabilities, or similar conditions — they have the knowledge and tools to respond appropriately. People with developmental disabilities may communicate or behave differently than others, and without proper training, officers might misread or mishandle those situations. The bill aimed to reduce the risk of misunderstandings or harmful outcomes during these encounters.

This bill would have affected all active and new police officers throughout Rhode Island, as well as people with developmental disabilities and their families, who may interact with law enforcement. It was introduced in the House and referred to the Health & Human Services Committee, but it was ultimately **withdrawn at the sponsor's request in January 2026** and did not move forward into law.