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RI S2279
Bill
Status
1/23/2026
Primary Sponsor
Todd Patalano
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AI Summary
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Private state-chartered colleges and universities may establish security or public safety departments employing special police officers, public safety officers, or security guards
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Non-sworn public safety officers and security guards may detain individuals without a warrant for suspected criminal offenses committed within their campus jurisdiction, provided they have reasonable grounds to believe the person is responsible
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Detention limited to a maximum of 30 minutes while awaiting state or local police assistance, which must be requested immediately upon detention
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All public safety officers and security guards must be trained in proper use of restraint devices and must follow locally or nationally recognized use of force policies
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Takes effect upon passage
Legislative Description
Permits non-sworn public safety officers/security guards at private colleges/universities to detain individuals for no longer than 30 minutes within the campus’s jurisdiction if the officer or guard believes the person committed a criminal offense.
Criminal Procedure
Last Action
Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
1/23/2026