SB 2452 allocates $100,000 in the 2026-2027 budget to support mental health and emotional well-being for children in out-of-school time (OST) programs serving K-12 students across Rhode Island. The bill provides funds for staff training in trauma-informed practices, peer support groups, culturally responsive materials, and wellness-focused activities within community-based after-school and summer programs. Eligible programs must use funds flexibly to address local needs while prioritizing high-need communities and geographic diversity. The Rhode Island Afterschool Network will administer the grants through a competitive process and submit annual reports on program reach and outcomes.
HB 7529 expands the definition of "teacher" to include school nurses, counselors, psychologists, principals, and superintendents, covering all public school staff. It establishes 19 specific rights for these educators, such as a safe workplace free from harassment, protection against being forced to pay for classroom supplies, access to necessary resources like technology, academic freedom, and fair evaluation processes (no more than every 3 years for "highly effective" teachers). The bill directly affects all public school staff covered under the expanded definition, ensuring they have clear, codified workplace protections. It clarifies existing expectations rather than creating new funding or mandates, focusing on defining and safeguarding professional rights within school environments.
Strengthens school security measures, including the establishment of a RI school emergency response committee to develop additional recommendations for school security measures and requiring an annual school safety assessment by all school districts.
Expands the definition of "educational program" for purposes of the abused and neglected children general law to include charter schools, parochial schools, after school programs, camps and various other programs involving children.
Establishes a statewide "healthy school meals for all" universal school breakfast and lunch program in Rhode Island public schools phased in over 3 years.
Defines "military-connected student" and permits military-connected students to enroll by remote registration upon presentation of military orders confirming the parent or guardian be stationed in this state during the current or following school year.
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.
Specifies that pre-k programs for three (3) – and four (4) – year olds be added to programs to increase access to voluntary, free, high-quality pre-kindergarten programs.
HB 7729 prohibits the unlawful use of designated seclusion rooms in Rhode Island public pre-K, elementary, and secondary schools, meaning students cannot be left alone in isolated rooms without freedom to leave. The bill specifically excludes physical prompts, restraints, and time-outs from this prohibition. School staff must follow positive behavioral interventions instead, and the education commissioner must handle complaints about violations through investigations and published procedures. This law directly affects all public school students, staff, and administrators in Rhode Island’s K-12 system.
This bill establishes a new fund within the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to support bilingual education programs in public schools. The primary mechanism is a grant program that provides financial assistance to school districts, community organizations, and universities for planning and implementing dual language instruction models, particularly in areas with high numbers of multilingual learners. Additionally, the legislation creates a strategy to increase the number of certified bilingual teachers by streamlining certification processes and funding professional development. Eligible recipients must adhere to specific high-quality standards and focus on developing curricula and staffing plans that serve students in both English and their home languages.
