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.
Expands the requirement that all high schools and middle schools, whether they are publicly or privately run to maintain on site a functional AED while establishing and implementing a cardiac emergency response plan in these schools.
Requires transition planning for high school students with disabilities, who have a “504” plan, like the transition planning required for high school students with disabilities, who have an individualized education program (IEP).
HB 7417 requires every public school in Rhode Island (including charter and vocational schools) to have a dedicated library space and a certified school librarian. It mandates specific library resources like book collections, technology, and daily student access, with staffing requirements phased in: full-time librarians for schools of 250+ students immediately, high schools by 2026-27, and all K-12 schools by 2030-31. The bill directs the education commissioner to enforce these standards, ensuring consistent library access and qualified staff. This legislation applies to all public schools and is pending passage.
Makes students in workforce-ready certificate programs at the community college of Rhode Island eligible to receive the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship.
Provides modifications for payments of interest on student loans shall be subtracted from federal adjusted gross income to an amount equal to the payments of interest for the satisfaction of outstanding student loans.
HB 7420 updates how state education funding is calculated to address inequities, primarily affecting school districts with high numbers of students in poverty. It introduces a new formula that factors in a district's revenue capacity and poverty levels to determine state aid, with a poverty loss stabilization fund for districts seeing aid drops over 2%. The bill also creates specific state-funded programs for special education costs, career and technical education, pre-K access, and stabilization for districts like Central Falls, Davies, and the Met Center. It requires the state to publish a report identifying unfunded district costs and share this with lawmakers and the public. These changes aim to adjust funding based on need while adding targeted support for specific educational programs and struggling districts.
SB 2182 removes the fee for drivers education classes at Rhode Island's community colleges for youth living in foster or adoptive homes. This directly affects young people in these care settings who would otherwise pay the standard fee to complete required driver's education. The bill's key provision exempts these individuals from the fee requirement, making the program more accessible. This change reduces a financial barrier to obtaining driver's education, which is a prerequisite for a driver's license in Rhode Island.
SB 2169 allows students completing specific career and technical education (CTE) programs to take firefighter certification exams immediately upon program graduation. It directly affects students enrolled in qualifying CTE programs, providing a streamlined path to firefighter careers without requiring additional training. The bill creates a formal mechanism where participating CTE programs would certify students' readiness for the state firefighter exam. The bill was introduced to the Senate Labor and Gaming committee on January 16, 2026.
SB 2212 automatically extends teaching licenses for 3 or 5 years without fees or penalties for all teachers certified as of July 1, 2026. It also waives all application and Praxis exam fees for new teacher certifications through June 30, 2029, to support recruitment. The bill requires the Rhode Island Department of Education to revise certification rules to create flexible pathways, including credit for work experience or competency demonstrations, for both initial and additional teaching credentials.
