Education

This bill requires Rhode Island's state education department and high school sports league to create a statewide anti-hazing policy for student athletics. It mandates clear definitions of hazing, zero-tolerance sanctions (including team suspensions or season cancellations), and education components to prevent hazing. All schools in the state participating in the Rhode Island Interscholastic League must follow this policy, which also requires student-athletes to sign an acknowledgment of the rules before joining teams. The policy explicitly states that consent is never a defense for hazing and ensures consistent discipline across all schools. The bill takes effect upon passage.

Provides any student, who meets the requirements of this section, with an exemption from paying nonresident tuition at Rhode Island public universities, colleges, or community colleges.

HB 7003 requires Rhode Island's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Rhode Island Interscholastic League to create a statewide anti-hazing policy for student athletics. The policy must define hazing, prohibit "consent" as a defense, and include clear consequences like team suspensions or season cancellations for violations. All student-athletes in RIIL schools must sign an acknowledgment form confirming they understand these penalties before participating in any athletic activities. The policy aims to ensure consistent, transparent discipline and integrate with existing school climate and anti-bullying efforts across all participating schools.

Prohibits participation in federal school voucher tax credit for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations unless both the general assembly and the governor approve such participation.

Prohibits participation in federal school voucher tax credit for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations unless both the general assembly and the governor approve such participation.