Replaces the existing chapter on this subject by requiring school districts to organize concussion oversight teams, develop removal-from-play, return-to-play, and return-to-learn protocols, and develop a concussion brochure.

Rhode Island School Concussion Safety Bill

This bill would update Rhode Island's existing laws on how public schools handle concussions among student athletes and participants in school activities. Under the proposal, every school district would be required to form a concussion oversight team — a group of trained individuals responsible for managing how the school responds when a student suffers a head injury. Each district would also need to create clear, written plans for three key situations: removing a student from play immediately after a suspected concussion, safely returning them to physical activity once they've recovered, and helping them get back to their normal schoolwork and learning environment during recovery.

The bill also requires schools to develop and distribute a concussion information brochure to keep students, parents, and staff informed about the risks and warning signs of concussions. This replaces the current chapter of Rhode Island law on this topic, meaning it would serve as a full update to the existing rules rather than just adding to them.

This bill primarily affects public school students who participate in sports or other physical school activities, as well as their parents, coaches, teachers, and school administrators. Students who suffer concussions would have more structured protections in place, and school staff would have clearer guidelines on how to respond. The goal is to ensure that no student is rushed back into physical activity or the classroom before they are medically ready, which can prevent serious long-term health complications.

As of now, the bill has been referred to the Senate Education Committee and is scheduled for a hearing in March 2026, but no final vote has taken place yet.