Requires all peace officers to carry epinephrine autoinjectors in their vehicles or on their person police departments to budget sufficient funds to purchase the epinephrine and autoinjectors and for training of every peace officer.

Rhode Island Bill Summary: Mandatory Epinephrine Autoinjectors for Police Officers

This bill would require all peace officers in Rhode Island — including police officers and other law enforcement personnel — to carry epinephrine autoinjectors (commonly known by the brand name EpiPen) either on their person or in their patrol vehicles at all times while on duty. Epinephrine autoinjectors are medical devices used to treat severe, life-threatening allergic reactions known as anaphylaxis, which can result from bee stings, food allergies, medications, and other triggers. Without quick treatment, anaphylaxis can be fatal within minutes.

The bill also requires police departments to set aside enough money in their budgets to purchase these devices and to pay for training so that every peace officer knows how to recognize a severe allergic reaction and properly use an autoinjector. This means departments would need to account for both the cost of the devices themselves — which can be expensive — and ongoing training programs for their officers.

The bill would primarily affect law enforcement agencies and their budgets across Rhode Island, as well as individual officers who would need to complete the required training. Members of the public experiencing a severe allergic reaction could potentially benefit, since police officers often arrive on emergency scenes before paramedics or other medical personnel. The bill was recently postponed at the sponsor's own request, meaning it is still under consideration but not currently moving forward.