PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The state House of Representatives has passed a bill to allow children in Rhode Island public schools to bring in sunscreen without a doctor’s note.
The House passed the measure unanimously Wednesday. The Senate is considering identical legislation.
Many school systems categorize sunscreen as an over-the-counter medication requiring special paperwork. Several states have been pushing to loosen restrictions to make it easier for kids to protect themselves from skin cancer.
A similar measure stalled in Rhode Island last year.
Democratic Rep. David Bennett says he’s sponsoring the bill in Rhode Island because the dangers of sun exposure are well-known and kids need protection. Bennett is a nurse.
Under current state law, a student can go to school wearing sunscreen but cannot bring it to school to reapply without special permission.
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