Requires that all campus police officers be equipped with ballistic body armor.

RI Bill Summary: Ballistic Body Armor for Campus Police

This bill would require that all police officers working on college and university campuses in Rhode Island be equipped with ballistic body armor, commonly known as bulletproof vests. Currently, there is no state law specifically mandating that campus police have this protective equipment. If passed, colleges and universities would need to ensure their campus officers have this gear available to them while on duty.

The bill would primarily affect campus police officers at Rhode Island colleges and universities, providing them with an added layer of physical protection in the event of a violent incident. It would also affect the colleges and universities themselves, which would likely be responsible for purchasing and maintaining the body armor for their officers. Students, faculty, and staff could indirectly benefit from having better-equipped security personnel on campus.

Currently, the bill has been introduced in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. The committee has recommended holding the bill for further study, meaning lawmakers want to examine it more closely before moving it forward. A hearing is scheduled for March 24, 2026. The bill has not yet been voted on or signed into law.