Education

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 2211: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- COUNCIL ON POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

Directs the commissioner of postsecondary education to prepare a strategic plan for public higher education which is aligned with the goals of the board of education's strategic plan.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationDirects preparation of strategic plan for public higher education aligned with board goals, advancing systemic planning and coordination in postsecondary education.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 11, 2026

SB 2416: AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- MILITARY CHILD ACT

This bill, the Military Child Act, creates new enrollment rules for military-connected students in Rhode Island public schools. It defines "military-connected student" as a dependent of active-duty U.S. military personnel or Rhode Island National Guard members. The law allows these students to enroll remotely without physical presence using military orders, and permits "open enrollment" into any school district regardless of capacity if they provide a Department of Defense ID and proof of active duty orders for 30+ days. These provisions aim to reduce disruption during military relocations by simplifying school transfers.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands educational access for military-connected students via remote enrollment and open enrollment options, directly supporting K-12 school access policies.85% confidence

Sub-Topics School Choice

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SB 2016: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CURRICULUM

Adds "media literacy" to the standards currently taught in civic education for K-12, which are the history of Rhode Island, representative government, the rights and duties of actively engaged citizenship and the principles of democracy.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAdds media literacy to K-12 civic curriculum standards, enhancing educational content without funding changes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education

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died · Rhode Island · House Feb 10, 2026

HB 7343: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PESTICIDE CONTROL

Restricts application of pesticides and rodenticides at schools and childcare centers and requires schools to provide copies of notice to parents and guardians.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill restricts harmful pesticides at schools and requires parent notices, promoting school health/safety. This protective measure directly supports educational environment by safeguarding student/staff well-being.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRestricts pesticide/rodenticide use at schools, reducing chemical pollution and aligning with environmental protection goals through pollution control.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood

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signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 18, 2026

SB 2139: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- FOUNDATION LEVEL SCHOOL SUPPORT

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.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesProhibits federal school voucher tax credit participation without legislative approval, restricting tax incentives for private education funding.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill blocks state participation in federal voucher program without legislative/governor approval, preventing potential diversion of public school funds to private options and protecting public school funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits School Choice School Funding Student Financial Aid

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 11, 2026

SB 2210: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL TRAUMA KIT ACT

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates trauma kits for student mental health support in schools, enhancing safety and protective measures within K-12 education environment.90% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Jan 23, 2026

SB 2233: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE EDUCATION EQUITY AND PROPERTY TAX RELIEF ACT

SB 2233 establishes specific new funding categories to support school districts across Rhode Island. It provides state reimbursement for excess costs in special education (above a set threshold), career and technical education programs, pre-kindergarten access, and transportation for students attending out-of-district non-public schools. The bill also creates stabilization funds for Central Falls, Davies, and the Met Center schools, and offers regionalized school districts a temporary bonus (2% then 1% of state funding share) for their first two fiscal years. School districts seeking these funds must meet criteria set by the Department of Education, and funds are prorated if demand exceeds available appropriations.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides state reimbursement for education costs, reducing local property tax burden. Explicitly titled 'Property Tax Relief Act'.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides state reimbursement for special ed, CTE, pre-K, and transportation; creates stabilization funds for specific schools - clear funding support for education access and equity.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationFunds transportation for students attending out-of-district non-public schools, explicitly listing it as a reimbursable category under education equity funding.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax K-12 Education School Funding Special Education

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died · Rhode Island · House May 7, 2026

HB 7271: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- COOPERATIVE SERVICE AMONG SCHOOL DISTRICTS

HB 7271 amends Rhode Island law to establish a board of trustees governing the urban collaborative, a cooperative group of school districts including Providence. The bill requires each participating district to appoint board members based on student enrollment (one per district plus one additional per 30 students), with non-binding candidate suggestions from the collaborative board. It shifts funding so state education aid flows directly to the collaborative, while requiring local districts to cover any shortfall until funding transitions are complete. The bill also ensures Providence Public Schools cannot terminate their participation in the collaborative during state oversight without approval from the Providence school board, protecting existing student access.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes governance structure for cooperative school district funding, shifting state aid directly to collaborative to improve resource coordination in K-12 education without defunding.85% confidence

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died · Rhode Island · House Jan 27, 2026

HB 7117: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CURRICULUM

Directs the council on elementary and secondary education to develop recommendations for a high school curriculum to prepare students for successful postsecondary education and careers in computer science.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationDirects development of high school computer science curriculum to prepare students for postsecondary education and careers, advancing educational curriculum standards.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyDirects development of computer science curriculum to prepare students for tech careers, advancing workforce readiness in technology.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Curriculum K-12 Education

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 15, 2026

SB 2349: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HIGHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

SB 2349 establishes a new program allowing students with severe intellectual disabilities, severe autism spectrum disorders, or other severe developmental disabilities (ages 18-22) to attend Rhode Island's state colleges and universities without meeting standard college entrance requirements like standardized tests, high school diplomas, or minimum GPAs. The program integrates into students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and requires institutions to provide inclusive opportunities - such as credit courses, internships, and campus activities - with tailored supports for academic, career, and social development. Participation is classified as an approved special education service, with costs covered under existing IEP funding, though institutions are not required to pay for additional supports beyond typical offerings. The law applies to all state institutions, including the Community College of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and the University of Rhode Island.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands higher education access for students with disabilities by waiving entrance requirements and mandating inclusive programs within IEPs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education Special Education

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