(a)  Any person including, but not limited to, students, parents, or school personnel may possess and use a topical sunscreen product, without a physician’s note or prescription, while on school property or at a school-related event, or activity, to avoid overexposure to the sun, if the product is regulated by the Federal Food and Drug Administration for over-the-counter use. Notwithstanding the foregoing, children enrolled in grades kindergarten through five (K-5) may only possess sunscreen on school property or at a school-related event or activity with a note from a parent or guardian.

Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 16-21-39

  • Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • person: may be construed to extend to and include co-partnerships and bodies corporate and politic. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-6

(b)  For the purposes of this section only, sunscreen is not to be considered an over-the-counter medication.

(c)  Nothing in this section requires school personnel to assist pupils in applying sunscreen. Nothing in this section shall make the school district or its personnel liable for any damages.

(d)  The school district may encourage schools to educate pupils on sun safety precautions.

History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 311, § 1, effective July 9, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 312, § 1, effective July 9, 2021.