Education (Special Education)

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 28, 2026

HB 8429: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL COMMITTEES AND SUPERINTENDENTS

This bill restructures governance for the Central Falls School District by replacing its current board of trustees with a new seven-member board appointed by the state Board of Regents. The new board will include at least four local parents of current or former students, while the state commissioner of education retains significant oversight over budget parameters and superintendent appointments. Additionally, the legislation creates a stabilization fund to provide direct state funding for specific educational costs, including high expenses for special education students and career and technical education programs. By transferring authority from a special state administrator to this new board, the bill aims to centralize policy-making and operational management within a single elected body under state supervision.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill introduces state funding stabilization and restructures governance to include parent representation, aiming to strengthen school district operations.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 8, 2026

SB 3214: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL COMMITTEES AND SUPERINTENDENTS

This bill creates a new seven-member board of trustees to govern the Central Falls School District, replacing the current special state administrator and advisory group. The board members will be appointed by the state Board of Regents, with at least four required to be local residents and parents of current or former students in the district. Under this structure, the state commissioner of education retains significant oversight, including the power to intervene in school management if deemed necessary, while the new board handles policy-making, budget approval, and superintendent appointments. Additionally, the legislation amends state funding rules to provide direct state support for high-cost special education students and career and technical education programs.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill restores local governance by creating a board of trustees with parent representation, aiming to improve school district management and oversight.75% confidence

Sub-Topics School Funding Special Education

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died · Rhode Island · House May 7, 2026

HB 8462: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

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).

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands educational access by requiring transition planning for students with 504 plans, aligning them with IEP students.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Special Education

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 19, 2026

SB 2819: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE EDUCATION EQUITY AND PROPERTY TAX RELIEF ACT

This 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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes specific funding categories for special education, CTE, pre-K, and transportation, creating stabilization funds for school districts, indicating increased funding for education services.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes specific funding categories for special education, CTE, pre-K, and transportation, creating stabilization funds for districts, indicating clear intent to strengthen education funding and access.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax K-12 Education School Safety Special Education

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 11, 2026

SB 2834: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS -- EARLY INTERVENTION EXTENSION--BRIDGE TO PRESCHOOL

This bill allows children in Rhode Island with developmental disabilities to continue receiving early intervention services until September 1 if their third birthday falls between May 1 and August 31, addressing a current service gap before they transition to preschool programs. The legislation requires the state's Department of Human Services to create a plan by July 1, 2026, to implement this extension while seeking necessary federal approvals, with full implementation expected by January 1, 2028. By extending services beyond the traditional cutoff date, the bill aims to ensure uninterrupted support for children during their transition from early intervention to early childhood special education services.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill extends early intervention services for children with disabilities, improving educational access and support before preschool transition.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood Special Education

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 19, 2026

SB 2551: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE EDUCATION EQUITY AND PROPERTY TAX RELIEF ACT

SB 2551 revises how the state calculates education funding for school districts, using a new formula that considers both a district's revenue capacity and the percentage of students in poverty (specifically for districts with over 50% poverty). It creates a "poverty loss stabilization fund" to support districts experiencing a significant drop (more than 2%) in their state funding share, and requires the state to publish an annual report identifying unfunded district costs. The bill also allocates new state funds for special education, career and technical education programs, pre-kindergarten access, and specific stabilization support for Central Falls, Davies, and the Met Center school districts. Additionally, it provides direct state funding for transportation costs for students attending non-public schools and within regional school districts.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly includes 'Property Tax Relief' in title and creates stabilization fund to protect education funding from significant drops, aligning with tax relief and funding protection indicators.92% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationRevises funding formula to prioritize high-poverty districts, creates poverty loss stabilization fund for funding drops, requires annual reporting on unfunded costs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax K-12 Education School Funding Special Education

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 28, 2026

HB 7681: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE EDUCATION EQUITY AND PROPERTY TAX RELIEF ACT

HB 7681, the Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act, provides direct state funding for specific education costs to support school districts. It covers special education expenses exceeding 4x the base funding, career and technical education program costs (including facilities and equipment), and transportation for students attending out-of-district non-public schools. The bill also establishes stabilization funds for Central Falls, Davies, and the Met Center schools due to financial challenges, and requires the state to fully fund transportation categorical funds for regional school districts starting in fiscal year 2027. Regionalized school districts like Chariho will receive a temporary two-year bonus (2% then 1% of state aid) to encourage regional collaboration.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly provides property tax relief through state funding for education costs, reducing local tax burdens for school districts and residents.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides direct state funding for special education, CTE programs, and school stabilization, advancing educational access and equity as specified in the bill's summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax School Funding Special Education

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 28, 2026

HB 7581: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE EDUCATION EQUITY AND PROPERTY TAX RELIEF ACT

HB 7581 creates new state funding streams for specific education needs in Rhode Island school districts. It provides direct funding for special education costs exceeding 4x the core foundation amount, career and technical education program setup/maintenance, voluntary pre-K access, and transportation costs for students in regional districts or out-of-district non-public schools. The bill also establishes stabilization funds for Central Falls, Davies, and the Met Center schools, and offers regional school districts a two-year bonus (2% then 1% of state aid) for regionalization. School districts seeking reimbursement must share costs if total requests exceed available funds, with the Department of Education prorating allocations annually. This bill primarily affects public school districts, special education programs, and regional education entities across Rhode Island.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates new state funding streams for education programs including special ed, career training, and pre-K, directly increasing public service funding.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates new state funding streams for special education, career/tech programs, pre-K access, transportation, and stabilization funds for specific schools.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly allocates funds for 'transportation costs for students in regional districts' as part of education funding, directly supporting transportation services within its scope.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Early Childhood School Funding Special Education

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 19, 2026

SB 2548: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE EDUCATION EQUITY AND PROPERTY TAX RELIEF ACT

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides property tax relief and increases special education funding, aligning with tax relief and public service investment indicators.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides additional funds for special education student cost coverage, directly increasing educational funding for districts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax State Budget School Funding Special Education

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Jan 23, 2026

SB 2233: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE EDUCATION EQUITY AND PROPERTY TAX RELIEF ACT

SB 2233 establishes specific new funding categories to support school districts across Rhode Island. It provides state reimbursement for excess costs in special education (above a set threshold), career and technical education programs, pre-kindergarten access, and transportation for students attending out-of-district non-public schools. The bill also creates stabilization funds for Central Falls, Davies, and the Met Center schools, and offers regionalized school districts a temporary bonus (2% then 1% of state funding share) for their first two fiscal years. School districts seeking these funds must meet criteria set by the Department of Education, and funds are prorated if demand exceeds available appropriations.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides state reimbursement for education costs, reducing local property tax burden. Explicitly titled 'Property Tax Relief Act'.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides state reimbursement for special ed, CTE, pre-K, and transportation; creates stabilization funds for specific schools - clear funding support for education access and equity.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationFunds transportation for students attending out-of-district non-public schools, explicitly listing it as a reimbursable category under education equity funding.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax K-12 Education School Funding Special Education

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