R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-21.1: Penalties for drug, alcohol or weapons offenses.

The discipline of any public school student for violating a school policy relating to the possession or use of alcohol, drugs or weapons not described in § 16-21-18 of this chapter, shall be imposed on a case-by-case basis pursuant to guidelines developed and promulgated by the school committee for that district. The guidelines and any discipline imposed shall take into account the nature and circumstances of the violation and the applicability of any federal laws governing students with disabilities.