2019 -- H 5231

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LC000885

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION - SCHOOL COMMITTEES AND SUPERINTENDENTS

     Introduced By: Representative Stephen R. Ucci

     Date Introduced: January 30, 2019

     Referred To: House Health, Education & Welfare

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 16-2 of the General Laws entitled "School Committees and

Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]" is hereby

amended by adding thereto the following section:

     16-2-17.2. Patriotic society access to students in schools.

     (a) As used in this section, "patriotic society" means any youth group listed in title 36 of

the United States Code, as it existed on January 1, 2017.

     (b)(1) Beginning with the 2019-2020 school year, the principal of a public school shall

allow during school hours representatives of a patriotic society the opportunity to speak with

students during school hours to inform the students about the civic involvement of the society, as

well as explain how students may participate or join the society.

     (c) The patriotic society shall be given only one day at the beginning of each academic

school year, as approved by the principal, for the society to speak to the students at the school for

no more than fifteen (15) minutes.

     (d) The patriotic society shall provide written notice to the principal of the society's intent

to speak to the students. The principal shall provide written approval of the specific day and time

for the society to address the students.

     (e) A patriotic society shall be allowed the use of any school building or property to

provide services allowing students to participate in activities provided by the patriotic society at

times other than instructional time during the school day.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION - SCHOOL COMMITTEES AND SUPERINTENDENTS

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     This act would allow representatives of groups designated as patriotic societies under

federal law one day commencing with the 2019-2020 school year to speak for fifteen (15)

minutes to inform students about their activities and membership upon notice to and approval by

the principal as well as use of any school building or property after instructional hours to allow

students to participate in activities provided by the society.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC000885

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