Specifies that pre-k programs for three (3) – and four (4) – years olds be added to programs to increase access to voluntary, free, high-quality pre-kindergarten programs.
This bill amends the Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act to remove a funding requirement from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. It establishes specific funding categories for special education costs, career and technical education programs, pre-kindergarten access, and transportation expenses for students attending out-of-district non-public schools or within regional school districts. The legislation also creates stabilization funds for Central Falls, Davies, and the Met Center to address local capacity concerns and high school operating costs, while providing temporary bonuses to regionalized school districts. Additionally, it defines and provides state support for school resource officers who complete specialized training in school policing.
Topics
✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes specific funding categories for special education, CTE, pre-K, and transportation, creating stabilization funds for school districts, indicating increased funding for education services.85% confidence
✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes specific funding categories for special education, CTE, pre-K, and transportation, creating stabilization funds for districts, indicating clear intent to strengthen education funding and access.85% confidence
SB 2551 revises how the state calculates education funding for school districts, using a new formula that considers both a district's revenue capacity and the percentage of students in poverty (specifically for districts with over 50% poverty). It creates a "poverty loss stabilization fund" to support districts experiencing a significant drop (more than 2%) in their state funding share, and requires the state to publish an annual report identifying unfunded district costs. The bill also allocates new state funds for special education, career and technical education programs, pre-kindergarten access, and specific stabilization support for Central Falls, Davies, and the Met Center school districts. Additionally, it provides direct state funding for transportation costs for students attending non-public schools and within regional school districts.
Requires the development of a comprehensive collaborative course that provides students with accurate information and instruction on risks of wildfires while creating action plan to mitigate loss in case of a wildfire in all K-12 schools within the state.
SB 2433 establishes a presumption that school-age child care programs operating within RIDE-certified school buildings (public, charter, or approved non-public K-12 schools) automatically meet facility-based quality rating requirements. This means physical space features like room layout, furnishings, and storage - typically assessed under tools like SACERS - will be treated as compliant or neutral in quality ratings, without lowering a program’s score. The bill does not alter existing licensing, health, safety, or enforcement standards; it only streamlines the rating process for programs in certified school buildings. This change applies to all school-age child care programs licensed under Title 42, Chapter 12.5.
Requires every elementary and secondary school within the State of Rhode Island to provide and maintain clearly visible and easily accessible trauma kits within the school. It also provides immunity if assistance is rendered.
HB 7688 establishes the Rhode Island Child Care for All Act, creating a new Office for Early Learning by June 2028 to centralize and improve the state’s child care system. It directly affects families with young children (by reducing costs to under 7% of income), child care providers (through annual funding to cover costs beyond family fees), and early educators (by requiring wage supplements to match K-12 standards). Key provisions include consolidating child care administration from other agencies, funding providers to expand affordability and quality, and developing a statewide system offering free pre-K for 3- and 4-year-olds alongside accessible care for children from birth to age 12. The bill aims to address current market failures by treating child care as a public good, similar to K-12 education.
HR 8204 authorizes the City of Pawtucket to issue up to $22.5 million in city bonds, notes, or other debt instruments to finance school construction, renovations, or repairs at Samuel Slater Middle School or for a new middle school facility. It directly affects Pawtucket's public school infrastructure by enabling funding for building projects, design costs, demolition, athletic fields, landscaping, and parking. The bill does not change existing school policies but provides a financial mechanism for capital improvements. The resolution is pending in the House Finance Committee after introduction on February 27, 2026.
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.
Extends the reporting and expiration dates of the commission to study an anti-littering education program for RI public elementary school students from February 2, 2026, to February 2, 2027, and would expire on April 2, 2027.
