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LC000707/SUB A

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE NATHAN BRUNO AND JASON FLATT ACT

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Casimiro, Donovan, Noret, Vella-Wilkinson, Fellela,
Lima, Knight, Serpa, Boylan, and Shanley

     Date Introduced: January 25, 2023

     Referred To: House Education

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. The title of Chapter 16-21.7 of the General Laws entitled "The Nathan Bruno

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and Jason Flatt Act" is hereby amended to read as follows:

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CHAPTER 16-21.7

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The Nathan Bruno and Jason Flatt Act

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CHAPTER 16-21.7

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THE NATHAN BRUNO, JASON FLATT, AND ALICIA BIROS BEREAVEMENT ACT

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     SECTION 2. Chapter 16-21.7 of the General Laws entitled "The Nathan Bruno and Jason

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Flatt Act" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

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     16-21.7-5. Suggested protocols to be developed.

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     (a) The department of elementary and secondary education shall develop suggested

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protocols for local school committees and boards to adopt and follow relating to and in response to

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the death of a student, teacher, and other staff member of a school. These protocols shall include

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but need not be limited to the following:

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     (1) Procedures to be followed for students, teachers, administrators, and other staff that are

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responsive to the school environment and the situation;

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     (2) The availability of grief counseling that is developmentally appropriate for the student

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population;

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     (3) The availability of grief counseling for teachers, administrators and other staff; and

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     (4) Procedures for teachers, administrators, and other staff to respond in developmentally

 

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appropriate ways to students.

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     (b) These protocols may be offered as a set of options or alternatives to be followed.

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     SECTION 3. 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 -- THE NATHAN BRUNO AND JASON FLATT ACT

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     This act would direct the department of elementary and secondary education to

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develop suggested protocols for local school committees and boards to adopt and follow

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relating to and in response to the death of a student, teacher, or other staff member at a

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school. These protocols would include procedures to be followed for students, teachers,

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administrators, and other staff that are responsive to the school environment and the

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situation.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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