School buildings, school grounds, and all facilities used by a school, are subject to the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapters 23-20.9 entitled "Smoking in Schools" and Chapter 23-20.10 the "Public Health and Workplace Safety Act".

4.39.1 Violations and Penalties In accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-20.10 if an employer violates the provisions of the statute, civil penalties will be levied in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 23-20.10-10 and 23-20.10-14.

No person under eighteen (18) years of age shall use or possess, when such possession is clearly visible, tobacco in any public street, place, or resort, any tobacco and/or electronic nicotine delivery system in any form whatsoever. Any person under eighteen (18) years of age violating the provisions of this section shall be required to perform up to thirty (30) hours of community service or shall be required to enter into a tobacco treatment program, approved by any local substance abuse prevention task force, at the option of a minor charged with a violation of this section.

As used in this chapter: (5) "Tobacco product usage" means the smoking or use of any substance or item that contains tobacco, including, but not limited to: cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or other smoking tobacco, or the use of snuff or smokeless tobacco, or having in one's possession a lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, or other substance or item containing tobacco.

(a) The governing body of each school in Rhode Island shall be responsible for the development of enforcement procedures to prohibit tobacco product usage by any person utilizing school facilities. All facilities used by a school, whether owned, leased or rented, shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter. Enforcement procedures shall be promulgated and conspicuously posted in each building. (b) This chapter shall not modify, or be used as a basis for modifying school policies or regulations in effect prior to the passage of this chapter if the existing policies or regulations prohibit tobacco product usage in the school. (c) All school areas where tobacco product usage is prohibited shall be clearly marked with "nonsmoking area" signs with bold block lettering at least three inches (3") high stating "Tobacco-Free School -- Tobacco Use Prohibited". There shall be at least one "nonsmoking area" sign, in conformance with the above, at every building entrance and in other areas as designated by the governing body. Signs shall also be posted in every school bus and every school vehicle. Signs as detailed above shall be provided, without charge, by the department of health.