R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-20.9-3: Legislative intent — Purpose.

As tobacco now kills over four hundred and thirty-four thousand (434,000) people in the United States each year, it is the intent of this health legislation to eliminate the exposure of children attending school, and other persons working in schools, to the school-site health hazard of tobacco smoke and other tobacco product usage. It is the intent of this health legislation to protect the health and welfare of children in school by eliminating the exposure of children in school to the significant, life-threatening health hazard of tobacco smoke. It is the intent of this health legislation to create a tobacco-free school environment in Rhode Island.