Education

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Feb 13, 2026

SB 2528: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CURRICULUM

SB 2528 would repeal Rhode Island's requirement for statewide academic standards in core subjects like math, English, science, and history for all public schools. It removes legal mandates that previously directed the education commissioner to develop these standards and create curriculum frameworks aligned with specific goals, including cultural diversity and college readiness. The bill directly affects all public K-12 schools in Rhode Island by eliminating these state-level curriculum requirements. (Note: The bill was introduced on February 13, 2026, and has not yet been enacted.)

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationRepeals statewide curriculum standards and removes mandates for diversity/career readiness frameworks in K-12 education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Higher Education K-12 Education

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 28, 2026

HB 7501: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES IN OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME

HB 7501 allocates $100,000 in the 2026-2027 budget to support mental health and emotional well-being for K-12 students in out-of-school time (OST) programs, such as after-school and summer programs. It provides funding for staff training in trauma-informed practices, peer support groups, mental health resources, and culturally responsive activities designed by local communities. The funds will be distributed competitively through Rhode Island’s Afterschool Network to prioritize programs serving high-need youth across urban, suburban, and rural areas. This policy directly affects community-based OST programs and their staff, enabling flexible support for youth mental health needs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $100,000 from state budget to fund mental health services in K-12 OST programs, advancing public service funding through fiscal appropriation.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates $100,000 for K-12 mental health in OST programs, funding staff training and culturally responsive activities to enhance student well-being and program quality.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllocates $100,000 for mental health services in K-12 after-school programs, funding trauma-informed training and peer support resources.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Student Health Mental Health

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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 · Senate May 14, 2026

SB 2537: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- TEACHERS RETIREMENT

Gives teachers who takes an unpaid parental or medical leave during the year credit for a year of service for that school year if they served a minimum of 135 days.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationGrants teachers retirement credit during unpaid leaves, supporting educator retention and job security without restricting benefits.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProvides service credit during unpaid parental/medical leave, protecting retirement benefits for teachers without requiring full-time service.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers Paid Leave

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 6, 2026

SB 2651: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- STUDENT CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM

Directs the department of elementary and secondary education to provide a two-year pilot program that coordinates a national cultural exchange program for students of this state.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationDirects creation of student cultural exchange pilot program, enhancing educational access and student enrichment opportunities per bill title/summary.90% confidence

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 28, 2026

HB 8163: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- RHODE ISLAND PREKINDERGARTEN EDUCATION ACT

Establishes guidelines, rules and regulations for the implementation and expansion of prekindergarten education programs for children ages 3-4 to increase children’s school readiness statewide.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands prekindergarten access for ages 3-4 to increase school readiness, directly advancing early education access and program implementation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 2, 2026

HB 7907: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- COUNCIL ON ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

Expands council on elementary and secondary education and board of education and makes teacher of year and student advisory chair voting members on each.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands council/board with teacher/student voting members, enhancing educator involvement and decision-making in K-12 education.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 19, 2026

SB 2662: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM

Allows Rhode Island employers can help pay employees’ student loans in high-need fields if they work full-time for 2 years in undeserved areas and are in an income driven repayment plan. RISLA must provide annual reporting.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationReduces student debt barriers for employees in high-need fields, expanding access to education careers in underserved areas through employer-sponsored repayment.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProvides employer-sponsored student loan repayment as a worker benefit in high-need fields, expanding non-wage employment incentives.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid

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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 · House Apr 16, 2026

HB 8114: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES

HB 8114 requires the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) director to share a child’s school enrollment information with the child’s school nurse when that child is placed in foster care. This directly affects school nurses, DCYF staff, and children in foster care who attend public schools. The key provision mandates DCYF to proactively provide this enrollment detail to school nurses to ensure continuity of care. The bill aims to improve communication between child welfare and school staff for foster youth.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill ensures school nurses receive enrollment data for foster youth, promoting educational continuity and access for vulnerable students in K-12 settings.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires DCYF to share enrollment data with school nurses for foster children, ensuring continuity of healthcare services and improving access to school-based health support.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Healthcare Workforce Tags Children

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