This bill appropriates $500,000 from the state treasury to Onward We Learn for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The funds are designated to support the Rhode Island GEAR UP program, which helps middle and high school students prepare for college and provides scholarships to cover postsecondary education costs. This money serves as the state's required matching contribution to a larger federal grant received by the Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner. The resolution authorizes the state controller to issue payment orders to Onward We Learn once proper financial documentation is submitted.
This legislative resolution designates April 16, 2026, as "Community College of Rhode Island Day" within the state. It directly affects the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) by formally recognizing its role in higher education and workforce development. The bill does not alter any laws or funding but serves as a symbolic proclamation to honor the institution's contributions to the state's economy and residents. A copy of the resolution will be sent to the CCRI president to acknowledge the designation.
This Senate resolution designates April 16, 2026, as "Community College of Rhode Island Day" to recognize the institution's contributions to the state's education and economy. The measure directly affects the Community College of Rhode Island by honoring its role in workforce development and student success. It requires the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the college's president as a formal acknowledgment. The text highlights the college's impact on job creation and economic growth but does not alter any laws or policies.
Authorizes the Chariho Regional School District to finance the construction, furnishing and equipping of an elementary school and to issue not more than $116,000,000 bonds and/or notes.
HB 8603 amends Rhode Island driver education laws to exempt individuals in foster or adoptive homes from paying tuition fees for driver's education classes at the Community College of Rhode Island. This financial relief is funded by the Department of Children, Youth and Families and applies specifically to eligible youth receiving foster caregiving as defined by state regulations. The bill does not alter the existing curriculum, which includes instruction on alcohol and drug effects, distracted driving, and marijuana impairment, but rather removes the cost barrier for this specific group of students. By waiving enrollment fees, the legislation aims to ensure that foster and adoptive youth have equal access to the required thirty-three hours of classroom instruction needed to obtain a driver's license.
Authorizes the Chariho Regional School District to finance the construction, furnishing and equipping of an elementary school and to issue not more than $116,000,000 bonds and/or notes.
Limits retired, part-time or adjunct instructors, hired by any state college, university, or state school, to teaching no more than two classes per semester.
Establishes the framework to create a medical school at the University of Rhode Island and provides an initial appropriation of five million dollars ($5,000,000) as the first phase of a multi-year investment for the development of a medical school.
Provides any student, who meets the requirements of this section, with an exemption from paying nonresident tuition at Rhode Island public universities, colleges, or community colleges.
Prohibits public and private colleges and universities from charging students for institution provided health insurance in the absence of affirmative action by the student opting-in to coverage.
