JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE, PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- RIGHT TO AN ADEQUATE EDUCATION (Amends the constitution to guarantee Rhode Island residents with equal opportunity to receive an education that is adequate, equitable and meaningful and provides judicial enforcement of this provision.)
Impact
This constitutional amendment significantly alters the educational framework within Rhode Island by making it the primary duty of the state to deliver an adequate education to all residents. It also introduces judicial enforcement provisions, allowing individuals to seek legal remedies in cases of noncompliance. This means that violations of this educational right could lead to court actions, which may hold the state accountable for educational standards and funding, thereby potentially reshaping how education policy is developed and implemented in the state.
Summary
House Bill H7396 seeks to amend the Rhode Island Constitution to guarantee residents the right to an adequate, equitable, and meaningful education. If approved, this amendment would become effective on January 1, 2025, and mandates that it is the responsibility of the general assembly and relevant government agencies to ensure that every child receives access to quality educational opportunities. This proposal recognizes that education is fundamental to preserving the rights and liberties of the people and emphasizes the role of public schools and libraries in this mission.
Contention
While proponents of H7396 argue that enhancing the constitutional protections for education will ensure fair and equal access to educational resources, there are concerns regarding the implications of judicial enforcement. Critics may worry that the amendment could lead to increased litigation against the government, which some argue could distract from the actual delivery of education and burden the judicial system. Additionally, the amendment's broad language regarding 'adequate' education raises questions about how standards will be defined and measured, prompting debates on funding allocations and resource distribution across different socio-economic communities.
Joint Resolution To Approve, Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution -- Right To An Adequate Education (amends The Constitution To Guarantee Rhode Island Residents With Equal Opportunity To Receive An Education That Is Adequate, Equitable And Meaningful And Provides Judicial Enforcement Of This Provision.)
Joint Resolution To Approve, Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution -- Right To An Adequate Education (amends The Constitution To Guarantee Rhode Island Residents With Equal Opportunity To Receive An Education That Is Adequate, Equitable And Meaningful And Provides Judicial Enforcement Of This Provision.)
Joint Resolution Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution - Provisions Of State Constitution Declared To Be Presumptively Judicially Enforceable By Parties Allegedly Aggrieved By Violations Thereof (proposes To The Voters Of The State A Constitutional Amendment That The Provisions Of The State Constitution Are Presumptively Judicially Enforceable By Parties Allegedly Aggrieved By Violations Thereof.)
Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution -- Of Suffrage (would Propose To The Voters Of The State A Constitutional Amendment Regarding Eligibility To Vote And To Be A Candidate.)
Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution -- Of Suffrage (would Propose To The Voters Of The State A Constitutional Amendment Regarding Eligibility To Vote And To Be A Candidate.)
Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State (initiative And Referendum) (this Resolution Would Enable The Citizens Of Rhode Island To Propose Laws And Amendments To The Constitution Through An Initiative And Referendum Process, Except As To Revenue And Appropriations, Which Power Remains Vested In The General Assembly.)
Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution -- Jury Nullification As Proper Trial Defense Argument (this Joint Resolution Would Propose To The Voters A Constitutional Amendment Which Would Allow A Criminal Defendant To Argue Jury Nullification As A Defense.)
Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State (governor And Lieutenant Governor To Appear Jointly On The Ballot) (requires Submission To Voters Election Constitutional Amendment Requiring Governor/lieutenant Governor To Run As A Team In Elections Commencing In 2026.)
Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State -- Referendum On Line Item Veto (this Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Would Provide The Governor With A Line Item Veto On The Budget And Other Bills For The Appropriation Of Money.)