RI
Rhode Island House Bill H7615

Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7615

Introduced
2/15/24  
Refer
2/15/24  
Report Pass
6/5/24  
Engrossed
6/10/24  
Engrossed
6/13/24  

Caption

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY STUDENT TRANSPORTATION NEEDS AND SYSTEM COSTS (Creates a 13-member joint commission to study the transportation needs of students and recommend what changes are necessary, and who would report back to the General Assembly by April 16, 2025, and expire on May 27, 2025.)

Impact

The creation of this commission implies a significant focus on student transportation, recognizing the pressing challenges faced by districts due to increased costs and inefficiencies inherent in the current system. Specifically, the bill addresses the need for a coordinated approach to transportation services that could integrate costs into the broader educational funding model. This change would ideally promote a more sustainable and strategic allocation of resources as it pertains to student transportation across the state.

Summary

House Bill 7615 establishes a Special Joint Legislative Commission aimed at studying and evaluating the transportation needs of students in Rhode Island. The bill outlines that the commission will consist of thirteen members, including representatives from both legislative chambers, educational organizations, and students. Their primary goal is to find the most efficient and effective ways to provide transportation for students and make recommendations for potential changes in existing laws governing student transport. They are tasked with reporting back to the General Assembly by April 16, 2025, with their findings and suggestions for improvement.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 7615 appears to be supportive, rooted in a consensus that a dedicated commission could provide vital insights into the complexities of student transportation. Stakeholders, including educators and legislators, express hope that this initiative will lead to meaningful reforms that ensure students receive reliable and timely transportation to their schools. Nevertheless, there might be concerns regarding the implementation of any recommendations made and whether they will indeed translate to tangible improvements in the existing system.

Contention

While the bill is predominantly viewed positively, there are some points of contention, particularly regarding how the commission’s recommendations might intersect with budgetary constraints. As transportation is often a significant expense for school districts, there could be debates about funding suggestions or mandates that arise from the commission's findings. Additionally, the involvement of various stakeholders—ranging from educational professionals to student representatives—could lead to differing opinions on the best approach to enhance transportation services while also considering the diverse needs of communities across Rhode Island.

Latest H7615 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5502

Joint Resolution Creating A Special Joint Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations To Protect Our Environment And Natural Resources From Plastic Bottle Waste (creates A 16 Member Joint Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations To Protect Our Environment From Plastic Bottle Waste, And Who Would Report Back To The General Assembly By February 28, 2024, And Expire On June 30, 2024.)

RI S0671

Joint Resolution Creating A Special Joint Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations To Protect Our Environment And Natural Resources From Plastic Bottle Waste (creates An 18 Member Special Joint Legislative Commission Whose Purpose It Would Be To Study And Provide Recommendations To Protect Our Environment From Plastic Bottle Waste/report Back To The General Assembly No Later Than 6/10/24 And Expire On 6/30/24.)

RI S1126

Joint Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations On The Issues Relating To The Reduced Catch Of Quahogs In Narragansett Bay (creates A 13 Member Joint Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations On The Issues Relating To The Reduced Catch Of Quahogs In Narragansett Bay, And Who Would Report Back To The General Assembly By May 31, 2024, And Expire On June 30, 2024.)

RI H6496

Joint Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations On The Issues Relating To The Reduced Catch Of Quahogs In Narragansett Bay (creates A 13 Member Joint Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations On The Issues Relating To The Reduced Catch Of Quahogs In Narragansett Bay, And Who Would Report Back To The General Assembly By May 31, 2024, And Expire On June 30, 2024.)

RI H5424

House Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations For The Development And Implementation Of An Anti-littering Education Program For Rhode Island Public Elementary School Students (creates A 9 Member Commission To Study And Make Recommendations For The Development And Implementation Of An Anti-littering Program For Students, Who Would Report Back By February 2, 2024, And Expire On April 2, 2024.)

RI S0795

Joint Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Write An Olmstead Plan For Rhode Island (creates A Twenty-eight (28) Member Special Legislative Commission Whose Purpose It Is To Write An Olmstead Plan For Ri, And Who Reports Back To The General Assembly No Later Than January 3, 2024, And Whose Life Expires On July 1, 2024.)

RI H5882

Joint Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Write An Olmstead Plan For Rhode Island (creates A Twenty-eight (28) Member Special Legislative Commission Whose Purpose It Is To Write An Olmstead Plan For Ri, And Who Reports Back To The General Assembly No Later Than January 3, 2024, And Whose Life Expires On July 1, 2024.)

RI H6422

House Resolution Creating A Legislative Study Commission To Evaluate And Provide Recommendations On Mandated Safety Protocols For Rhode Island Schools (creates A 21 Member Commission To Evaluate And Provide Recommendations On Mandated Safety Protocols For Ri Schools, And Who Would Report Back To The House By February 28, 2024, And Expire On April 30, 2024.)

RI H6401

House Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations And Comments For Healthcare Liability Reform (creates A 15 Member Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations And Annotations For Healthcare Liability Reform In Rhode Island, And Report Back To The House By January 15, 2024, And Expire On April 15, 2024.)

RI S0142

Senate Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study And Review Rhode Island's Minimum Wage (creates An Eleven (11) Member Special Legislative Study Commission Whose Purpose It Would Be To Study Rhode Island's Minimum Wage, And Who Reports Back To The Senate No Later Than May 4, 2024, And Whose Life Expires On January 4, 2025.)

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