Sen. Sam Zurier

Requires a review by the department of elementary and secondary education of the formula components used to compute the aid needed to support high need students.

Provides that in local education agencies when over 45% of the children have a family income that is at or below 185% of federal poverty guidelines, then the student success factor will be 50% by the core instruction per-pupil amount.

Allows an individual school district that can utilize its own buses or vendors at a lower cost than the statewide system, to obtain reimbursement for these costs from state funds.

Maddy summaryThis 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.

Amends State funding calculations for special education, revising extraordinary cost calculations for FY 2028-2029, and providing additional funds for excess costs when special education students move into a district after the budget is approved.

Establishes a statewide “Healthy School Meals for all” universal school breakfast and lunch program in Rhode Island public schools phased in over 3 years.

Provides that a student's enrollment in Medicaid would be included in calculating and determining the student success factor for use in the foundation education-aid formula.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 10 through May 16, 2026, as "National Hospital Week" in Rhode Island to honor the state's hospitals and healthcare workers. The measure acknowledges the vital role these institutions play in providing essential services, supporting the local economy, and employing thousands of residents. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the President of the Hospital Association of Rhode Island, recognizing the group's leadership in the field.

Provides that no new charter school application shall be granted, if the proposed school is a network charter school or the expansion of an existing charter school creates a network charter school.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges Rhode Island state agencies to expand access to retirement advice and guidance for state employees to help them achieve secure retirements. The bill recommends agencies develop programs offering regular workshops, one-on-one counseling from certified financial advisors, decision-support tools, and multiple communication channels for employees. It specifically encourages prioritizing support for employees facing greater retirement challenges and recommends partnering with qualified financial providers to ensure workers understand their hybrid retirement plans. The resolution also calls for measuring program effectiveness through employee engagement data and encourages employees to assess whether they are on track to receive 80 percent of their pre-retirement income.