Education (Higher Education)

in committee · Rhode Island · House Feb 27, 2026

HB 8162: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE ONWARD WE LEARN SCHOLARSHIP ACT

Requires any remaining funds in the enacted budget from the RI promise scholarship program or the RI hope scholarship program, after Rhode Island college has satisfied all eligible scholarships to be reimbursed to onward we learn.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRedirects unused scholarship funds to Onward We Learn, ensuring continued student financial aid support through existing programs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 24, 2026

HB 7704: AN ACT SUBMITTING TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION TO ISSUE BONDS FOR A MEDICAL SCHOOL AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND

Submits a proposition to be placed on the ballot at the next general election authorizing the issuance of bonds for a medical school on the University of Rhode Island's Kingston campus.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationFunds new medical school at URI via bond issuance, directly supporting higher education infrastructure expansion and institutional capacity.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill authorizes bond issuance for a medical school at URI, directly funding medical education and training of healthcare professionals, strengthening healthcare workforce development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 17, 2026

HB 7898: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS

Requires the installation and use of a weapons detection system at every public entrance to any school building, gymnasium, school event facility, sporting event site and any site where a school hosts or participates in an event even if off campus.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires weapons detection systems at all school entrances to protect student safety, aligning with protective measures in education policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education School Safety

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 28, 2026

SB 2028: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SALES AND USE TAXES -- LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION

SB 2028 imposes a tiered sales tax on digital advertising services sold within Rhode Island, affecting large digital advertising companies based on their global revenue (2.5% for $100M-$1B revenue, 5% for $1B-$5B, 7.5% for $5B-$15B). The tax revenue will be distributed annually to specific state funds: 10% to public transit (RIPTA), 15% to climate resiliency, 5% to university research, 20% to housing, 10% to school lunches, 20% to municipal resilience, and 20% to the general fund. The tax applies to purchases of digital ads within Rhode Island and takes effect on July 1, 2026. It does not allow companies to add the tax as a separate fee on customer invoices but requires clear disclosure of the amount.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes tiered tax on digital ads to fund public transit, housing, school lunches, and climate programs, directly allocating revenue to state priorities per bill summary.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates 10% of tax revenue to school lunches, directly funding K-12 meal programs per bill's distribution formula.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAllocates 15% of tax revenue to climate resiliency, directly funding environmental protection initiatives per bill summary.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill allocates 20% of tax revenue specifically to housing programs, directly funding housing initiatives without restrictions or opposition indicators.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill allocates 10% of tax revenue to RIPTA (public transit), directly funding transportation infrastructure per bill summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Sales Tax State Budget Higher Education Public Transit

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 6, 2026

SB 2420: AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- NATIONAL GUARD

SB 2420 allows Rhode Island National Guard members in good standing to use their state tuition assistance benefits for their dependents. Dependents enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) can receive tuition waivers for up to five courses per semester at any Rhode Island state college or university. The program is funded up to $100,000 annually per fiscal year, requires a one-year military service commitment for each 12 course credits used, and mandates that both the Guard member and dependent maintain good academic standing. Failure to meet service or academic requirements may trigger repayment of benefits.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $100,000 annually for tuition waivers, directly increasing state spending on a specific program.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides tuition waivers for military dependents at state colleges, expanding access to higher education through state-funded benefits.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProvides tuition waivers for dependents of National Guard members, expanding educational benefits for military families tied to veterans' support programs.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid Military Families National Guard & Reserve Veteran Education

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Jan 16, 2026

SB 2081: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- POSTSECONDARY TUITION ASSISTANCE FOR SHORTAGE TEACHING FIELDS

SB 2081 creates a state-funded tuition assistance program for Rhode Island students pursuing teaching careers in critical shortage fields, specifically science and mathematics for grades 7-12. It provides financial support covering tuition and certain non-tuition costs (like transportation or childcare) at Rhode Island colleges, after other financial aid is applied. To qualify, students must enroll in a teaching program in these fields and agree to complete three years of full-time teaching in Rhode Island public or private schools. If recipients don't finish their degree or fulfill the teaching requirement, the assistance converts to a repayable loan.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesState-funded tuition assistance program increases state budget allocation for education, directly funding essential teaching workforce development per Budget & Taxes indicators.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates state-funded tuition assistance for teaching in critical shortage fields (science/math), directly advancing educator recruitment and retention in K-12 education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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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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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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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 30, 2026

HB 7052: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- RHODE ISLAND PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP

Makes students in workforce-ready certificate programs at the community college of Rhode Island eligible to receive the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands state scholarship eligibility, increasing appropriations for education programs without tax implications.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands scholarship access to workforce certificate programs, increasing educational opportunities for community college students.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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died · Rhode Island · House May 14, 2026

HB 7393: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- RHODE ISLAND CHILDCARE IS ESSENTIAL ACT

HB 7393, the "Rhode Island Childcare Is Essential Act," expands eligibility for childcare assistance to families with incomes at or below 85% of the state median income, aligning with federal guidelines. This change directly affects low-income families with children under 12 who need childcare to work, attend job training, or enroll in college. The bill requires the Department of Human Services to provide free childcare for families at or below 100% of the federal poverty level and a sliding fee scale (capping at 7% of income) for others. It also maintains a $1 million liquid assets limit for eligibility and emphasizes meeting federal "equal access" standards for childcare rates.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands state-funded childcare assistance for low-income families, requiring DHS to cover costs - increases public service funding per bill's mandates.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands childcare access for low-income families, enabling parents to enroll in college/job training - directly supports educational access as defined in the topic.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands childcare assistance for low-income families to work, attend job training, or college, directly enabling workforce participation and supporting employment standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood Higher Education Workforce Development

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