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.
Updates disability parking space signage and enables municipalities to participate in the parking mobility app program where individuals submit photos on the app of vehicles parked in spaces designated for individuals with disabilities.
Creates a new registration plate for qualified individuals to possess an "adaptive vehicle license plate" to accommodate the transportation needs of an individual with a significant mobility impairment.
Permits the implementation of a system of electronic registration and titling of motor vehicles, by the DMV and would require that rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this chapter, would be promulgated by the administrator of the DMV.
Imposes a seventy-five cent (0.75) surcharge on fares charged by rideshare companies as well as an account to benefit RIPTA from the payment of sales taxes collected from rideshares.
Exempts recovery claims for damages due to a town's neglect in maintaining highways or bridges from the provisions of chapter 31 of title 9 on governmental tort liability.
Prohibits RIPTA from using state funds or the proceeds of any bond(s) to pay for any work performed after 8/1/26, pursuant to the “transit center joint development project” RFP and/or pursuant to related the preliminary services agreement.
SB 2392 requires school departments to make GPS data about the real-time location and speed of school buses available electronically to parents or guardians of students transported by those buses. This directly affects families whose children ride school buses, allowing them to track bus movements during transportation. The bill mandates that all new school buses (starting July 1, 2027) and all school buses (by July 1, 2032) must include this GPS data capability alongside video monitoring systems. The law ensures this data access complies with privacy laws and does not interfere with law enforcement.
Requires the PUC to produce yearly reports beginning on January 1, 2027 on the ability of the current electric grid to handle electrification loads needed to power cars, buildings, and heating of homes within the state.
Limits municipal minimum lot sizes for residential use to 2,500 sq ft near transit, 5,000 sq. ft with water/sewer, and 1 acre otherwise, while protecting farmlands, forests, and wetlands, and requiring zoning updates to comply.
