Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S1156

Introduced

6/16/25

Refer

6/16/25

Report Pass

6/18/25

Engrossed

6/20/25

Enrolled

6/20/25

Passed

6/20/25

Caption

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE RETURN OF CENTRAL FALLS SCHOOLS TO LOCAL GOVERNANCE (Creates a seven (7) member joint legislative commission to study and prepare a report on the return of Central Falls schools to local governance.)

Impact

If passed, S1156 would recognize the principle that local concerns regarding education are best understood and addressed by local elected officials. This move is likely to shift the current framework of state oversight back towards local control, aligning educational management closer to the community’s unique context and needs. The bill further outlines a timeframe for this transition, aiming for local governance to take effect on July 1, 2026, thereby setting a clear path for implementation.

Summary

Senate Bill S1156 proposes the creation of a special joint legislative commission tasked with studying the potential return of operational and fiscal responsibility for Central Falls schools to local governance. The bill, introduced by Senator Jonathon Acosta, highlights the City of Central Falls' desire to take charge of its public school system, a responsibility that has been managed by the state for an extended period. The commission is envisioned as a solution to understand how local officials and residents can effectively manage public education to meet their needs.

Contention

While the bill is strongly supported by local stakeholders who believe that residents of Central Falls are best qualified to administer their children's education, it may face contention regarding funding and logistical feasibility. The bill calls for a study that includes a sustainable financial pathway for the city, which raises questions about the readiness of local governance to handle potential financial burdens. Critics may argue that such a transition could lead to disparities in educational quality if local capacities are not adequately assessed and supported.

Final_report

The commission established by the bill will comprise seven members, including significant local leaders and educators, who will survey the current management of Central Falls schools, gather input from various stakeholders, and prepare a final report to guide the transition process. This report is expected by March 3, 2026, ensuring thorough consideration of the community's needs and fiscal realities before local governance is fully restored.

Latest RI S1156 Activity

View All Events: RI 2025 Regular Session S1156

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

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 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 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 H5727

Joint Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations To Safeguard Rhode Island Against Nuclear Weapons (this Resolution Creates An Eleven (11) Member Special Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendation To Safeguard Rhode Island Against Nuclear Weapons.)

RI H7156

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO WRITE AN OLMSTEAD PLAN FOR RHODE ISLAND (This resolution creates a 28 member special legislative commission whose purpose is to write an Olmstead Plan for Rhode Island, and reports back to the General Assembly on or before January 3, 2025, and expires on July 1, 2025.)

RI S2502

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY BLOCKCHAIN AND CRYPTOCURRENCY (Creates a 5 member commission to recommend legislative proposals for blockchain and cryptocurrency, and submit an interim progress report by January 5, 2025, and a final report by January 5, 2026, and expire on February 5, 2026.)

RI H7817

RI S2331

JOINT RESOLUTION AMENDING THE JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A PERMANENT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON CHILD CARE IN RHODE ISLAND (This resolution would amend the commission name, membership, appointment process, purpose, funding allowance designation, timeline for membership, and meeting schedules.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.