RI
Rhode Island House Bill H6255

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H6255

Introduced
4/23/25  
Refer
4/23/25  
Report Pass
6/17/25  
Engrossed
6/18/25  
Engrossed
6/21/25  

Caption

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE RETURN OF CENTRAL FALLS SCHOOLS TO LOCAL GOVERNANCE (Authorizes the city of Central Falls, via home rule charter or city ordinance, to create a school board with all powers and duties thereto, to govern the Central Falls school district.)

Impact

If enacted, the bill would result in the formulation of a comprehensive plan for transitioning educational governance back to the City of Central Falls. This includes a sustainable financial framework that ensures the city can fulfill its obligations to contribute to foundational education funding. The commission's work will potentially set a precedent for similar governance changes in other municipalities, and it aims to culminate in a reliable timeline for implementation by July 1, 2026.

Summary

House Bill H6255 seeks to establish a special joint legislative commission tasked with studying the potential return of operational and fiscal authority over public schools in Central Falls to local governance. The bill emphasizes the belief that local officials are better equipped to address the unique needs and concerns of their community, particularly regarding education. This measure represents a significant shift in the governance of schools in Central Falls, which has historically been under state control.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding H6255 appears to be cautiously optimistic among proponents, who view this as an opportunity for greater local control and community involvement in education. Advocates argue that localized governance will lead to improved educational outcomes tailored to the community's specific needs. However, concerns may arise regarding the capacity of local governance to manage these responsibilities effectively, especially considering past challenges.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill include the previous state intervention in Central Falls schools, which was due to fiscal mismanagement and operational challenges. Critics may express skepticism about whether local governance can adequately address these issues without state oversight. Additionally, there may be debates regarding the adequacy of resources and support for the proposed changes, as well as the potential impact on educators and students in the region.

Latest H6255 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S2523

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.)

RI H7615

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.)

RI H6126

Amending Chapters 106 And 107 Of The Local Acts Of 2021 Both Entitled "relating To School Construction And Financing In The City Of Central Falls And Authorizing The City Of Central Falls To Issue Not To Exceed $5,760,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Construction, Renovation, Improvement, Alteration, Repair, Furnishing And Equipping Of Schools And School Facilities In The City"

RI S0510

Amending Chapters 106 And 107 Of The Local Acts Of 2021 Both Entitled "relating To School Construction And Financing In The City Of Central Falls And Authorizing The City Of Central Falls To Issue Not To Exceed $5,760,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Construction, Renovation, Improvement, Alteration, Repair, Furnishing And Equipping Of Schools And School Facilities In The City"

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 S3132

SENATE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE OF RHODE ISLAND'S PUBLIC EDUCATION SYSTEM (This resolution would create a 7-member legislative commission to study the governance structure of Rhode Island's public education system, and who would report back to the Senate no later than March 1, 2025, and whose life would expire on July 1, 2025.)

RI H6506

Joint Resolution Creating A Special Joint Legislative Commission To Review And Provide Recommendations For Professional And Labor-management Standards That Provide School-based Flexibility And Accountability For Employees Of The Providence Public Schools

RI S2765

Establishes the composition of the housing authority for the city of Central Falls.

RI H8061

Establishes the composition of the housing authority for the city of Central Falls.

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.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.