AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- MAINTENANCE OF ORDER ON CAMPUS

HB 5667 requires all campus police officers at Rhode Island state colleges and universities to wear ballistic body armor meeting the same standards as state police officers. This bill directly affects campus police officers, who are responsible for maintaining order, enforcing rules, and handling disturbances on campus property. The key provision mandates this specific safety equipment, replacing previous requirements, and specifies that officers may not carry firearms unless authorized by the board of governors. The bill takes effect upon passage and does not alter campus police arrest powers or citation procedures.