Education (Higher Education)

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 30, 2026

HB 8336: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- RHODE ISLAND HOPE SCHOLARSHIP PILOT PROGRAM ACT

Converts the Rhode Island Hope Scholarship Pilot Program Act into a continuing scholarship program at Rhode Island College, similar to the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship at the Community College of Rhode Island.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill converts scholarship pilot to continuing program, expanding educational access and funding for higher education at Rhode Island College90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 3101: SENATE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING MARCH 19, 2026, AS "RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This Senate resolution designates March 19, 2026, as "Rhode Island College Day" in the State of Rhode Island to honor the institution's contributions to the community. The bill recognizes Rhode Island College as the state's oldest public college and highlights its academic programs, athletic achievements, and recent investments in modernizing facilities for science and cybersecurity education. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the college president, Dr. Jack R. Warner, as a formal acknowledgment of the college's role in the state's education and economic development.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill honors Rhode Island College, the state's oldest public college, recognizing its contributions and highlighting academic programs and facility investments in education.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 22, 2026

SB 3064: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND

Establishes the framework to create a medical school at the University of Rhode Island and provides an initial appropriation of five million dollars ($5,000,000) as the first phase of a multi-year investment for the development of a medical school.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides $5M appropriation for medical school development, directly funding a public service and expanding educational infrastructure.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill allocates $5M to establish a medical school at University of Rhode Island, expanding higher education access and infrastructure.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes medical school and provides $5M initial funding to expand healthcare workforce and services90% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Higher Education

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passed · Rhode Island · House Mar 12, 2026

HR 8290: HOUSE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING PROVIDENCE PROMISE FOR ITS OUTSTANDING WORK EXPANDING COLLEGE SAVINGS, FAMILY ENGAGEMENT, AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS IN PROVIDENCE

This bill is a House resolution that recognizes and commends Providence Promise, a nonprofit organization in Rhode Island, for its work helping families save for college. The resolution highlights the organization's key activities, which include opening 529 college savings accounts for students, providing $100 seed deposits, and offering incentives for educational achievements. It also notes the group's efforts in financial literacy education, college readiness programs, and family engagement services aimed at supporting underserved communities. The resolution expresses appreciation for the organization's leadership and staff, and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Providence Promise.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill commends organization expanding college savings and educational opportunity, indicating support for educational access and financial literacy programs85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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passed · Rhode Island · House Mar 26, 2026

HR 8359: HOUSE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING "URI DAY" AT THE RHODE ISLAND STATE HOUSE ON MARCH 26, 2026

This resolution designates March 26, 2026, as "URI Day" at the Rhode Island State House to honor the University of Rhode Island. It formally recognizes the university's contributions to education, research, and economic development in the state. The House of Representatives will celebrate this day and send a certified copy of the resolution to the university president. The measure does not require funding or create new laws, serving as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the institution's achievements.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill honors University of Rhode Island's contributions to education and research, providing ceremonial recognition of higher education institution's achievements.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 2454: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- INSURANCE BENEFITS

Provides that adjunct faculty members at any state college or university who teach at least 50% of the hours regularly worked by full-time faculty in a semester be eligible for the same medical benefits as other full-time state employees.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides medical benefits for adjunct faculty at state colleges, directly supporting higher education staff welfare and retention within the education topic area.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExtends medical benefits eligibility to adjunct faculty, expanding health insurance coverage for state employees as part of workforce benefits.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands medical benefits for adjunct faculty, aligning with full-time employee coverage and directly advancing worker benefit protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 19, 2026

SB 2556: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE BRIGHT TODAY SCHOLARSHIP AND OPEN ENROLLMENT EDUCATION ACT

SB 2556, the Bright Today Scholarship and Open Enrollment Education Act, would create a new education program in Rhode Island allowing parents of K-12 students to choose public or private school options. Eligible students (those attending public school previously, starting school for the first time in RI, or coming from private/homeschool settings) could receive state-funded scholarships to cover tuition at participating private schools, approved curricula, tutoring, textbooks, and standardized test fees. The program requires parents to commit to providing specific core subjects and using scholarship funds only for designated educational expenses, with unspent funds rolling over for future grades. It aims to let state education funds follow students to their chosen schools while maintaining district funding levels.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates state-funded scholarships for K-12 private school options, expanding educational access and providing direct funding for tuition/curriculum.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education School Choice

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signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 19, 2026

SB 2432: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- GUARANTEED ADMISSION FOR EAGLE SCOUT AND GOLD AWARD RECIPIENTS

SB 2432 would require Rhode Island's public colleges (URI, RIC, CCRI) to automatically admit qualifying residents who earned an Eagle Scout rank (Scouting America) or Gold Award (Girl Scouts of the USA), provided they meet basic application requirements like submitting required documents. It does not guarantee admission to competitive programs like nursing or engineering, nor does it affect tuition costs or residency rules. Institutions must verify awards through official documentation, and admission remains subject to meeting all non-academic application steps. The bill takes effect for Fall 2026 applications and applies only to state residents.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands higher education access by guaranteeing admission for Scout award recipients at public colleges, aligning with 'expands educational access' support indicator.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 18, 2026

SB 2650: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- COUNCIL ON POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands higher education access by exempting qualifying students from nonresident tuition at RI public colleges, directly advancing educational affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 30, 2026

HR 7811: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 TO ONWARD WE LEARN IN SUPPORT OF RHODE ISLAND GEAR UP

HR 7811 is a joint resolution appropriating $500,000 from the state treasury for the fiscal year 2026-2027 to fund Rhode Island's GEAR UP program through Onward We Learn. This funding supports college access and success services for Rhode Island students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, including academic enrichment, career preparation, and scholarships of up to $4,500 annually for four years. The appropriation fulfills Rhode Island’s required dollar-for-dollar match for a federal GEAR UP grant administered by the state’s Office of Postsecondary Commissioner. The funds directly benefit students participating in Onward We Learn’s programs, which have historically provided over $55 million in scholarships to approximately 13,500 students.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates $500,000 from state treasury for GEAR UP program funding college access services, directly increasing public education funding for low-income students.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill appropriates $500,000 for Rhode Island GEAR UP program, funding college access services, academic enrichment, career prep, and scholarships for low-income students, directly expanding educational access and support.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Higher Education

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