(a)  If a student is found to be carrying a weapon, as defined in § 11-47-42, a firearm or replica of a firearm, or commits an aggravated assault on school grounds as defined in § 11-47-60, the principal or designee shall immediately notify the student’s parents and the local police and turn the weapon over, if any, to the local enforcement agency.

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Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 11-47-60.2

  • Firearm: includes any machine gun, pistol, rifle, air rifle, air pistol, "blank gun" "BB gun" or other instrument from which steel or metal projectiles are propelled, or that may readily be converted to expel a projectile, except crossbows, recurve, compound, or longbows, and except instruments propelling projectiles that are designed or normally used for a primary purpose other than as a weapon. See Rhode Island General Laws 11-47-2
  • Person: includes an individual, partnership, firm, association, or corporation. See Rhode Island General Laws 11-47-2
  • Statute: A law passed by a legislature.

(b)  Any person who has reasonable cause to know that any person is in violation of this statute shall notify the principal or designee. The principal or designee shall immediately notify the student’s parents and the local police. Any person acting in good faith who makes a report under this section shall have immunity from any civil liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed as a result of making the report.

(c)  School superintendents shall receive notice from the clerk of the family court regarding the disposition of all cases involving juveniles from their school districts adjudged pursuant to this statute. This information shall remain confidential and be shared with school officials who deal directly with the student.

(d)  The provisions of this section should not apply to the following activities when the activities are officially recognized and sanctioned by the educational institution:

(1)  Firearm instructed and/or safety course;

(2)  Government-sponsored military-related programs such as ROTC;

(3)  Interscholastic shooting and/or marksmanship events;

(4)  Military history and firearms collection courses and/or programs; and

(5)  The use of blank guns in theatrical and/or athletic events.

(e)  The provisions of this section shall not apply to colleges, universities or junior colleges.

History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 313, § 1.