Amends the current law so that it would no longer mandate, but rather simply allows local boards to annually conduct a voter registration drive at each high school within the city or town.
Impact
The potential impact of HB 7848 is substantial, particularly in terms of student engagement in the electoral process. Allowing local boards to conduct drives on a voluntary basis may lead to a decrease in the frequency or effectiveness of voter registration efforts among high school students, who are a key demographic for fostering future electoral participation. While schools may still organize these drives, the lack of a mandate may result in inconsistent applications across different regions, affecting overall youth voter turnout in the state.
Summary
House Bill 7848 aims to amend current provisions related to voter registration drives conducted at high schools across Rhode Island. This bill proposes to change the existing requirement necessitating local boards to operate these drives annually into a more permissive framework, where such activities would merely be allowed rather than mandated. With this change, local boards have the discretion to decide whether or not to conduct voter registration drives in cooperation with high school administrations.
Contention
Finally, this bill's passage could spark discussions about the roles of state and local governance in promoting civic engagement. As communities assess the importance of voter registration drives, the implications of HB 7848 could extend beyond immediate electoral participation, influencing broader conversations about civic responsibility and youth involvement in democratic processes.
Authorizing The Town Of Barrington To Finance The Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Alteration, Furnishing And Equipping Of Public Schools And School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Athletic Fields, Playgrounds, Landscaping, Parking And Costs Of Financing And To Issue Not More Than $250,000,000 Bonds And/or Notes Therefor, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 35 Percent At The Time Of Issuance And Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority
Authorizing The Town Of Barrington To Finance The Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Alteration, Furnishing And Equipping Of Public Schools And School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Athletic Fields, Playgrounds, Landscaping, Parking And Costs Of Financing And To Issue Not More Than $250,000,000 Bonds And/or Notes Therefor, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 35 Percent At The Time Of Issuance And Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority