Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7977

Introduced
3/5/24  
Refer
3/5/24  
Report Pass
4/9/24  

Caption

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE ABILITY OF THE RHODE ISLAND EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM TO OFFER DEGREE OR CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS WITHIN THE STATE TO PROVIDE A SUPPLY AND A PIPELINE OF PLANNERS, PLANNING TECHNICIANS, AND PLANNING STAFF (Creates an 11 member commission to study the ability of the RI educational system to offer degrees or certificates to provide a supply/pipeline of planners, planning technicians and staff, and report back by January 1, 2025, and expire on June 30, 2025.)

Impact

If enacted, this bill could lead to significant changes in educational policy and workforce development strategies within Rhode Island. By establishing a commission dedicated to understanding and improving educational opportunities in planning and related fields, the bill seeks to align educational offerings with the demands of the labor market. This alignment is critical in a state where challenges such as outdated zoning regulations and permitting processes have been identified as barriers to development and growth.

Summary

House Bill 7977 proposes the creation of a special legislative commission in Rhode Island to study the state's educational system's capacity to offer degree and certificate programs. The primary focus is to ensure a consistent supply of trained professionals, including planners and planning technicians, within the state. The commission is tasked with evaluating the adequacy of existing educational programs and making recommendations to enhance the pipeline of skilled workers in the planning sector, aiming to address current workforce needs effectively.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding H7977 largely appears positive, as there seems to be a consensus on the importance of addressing workforce shortages in planning and related fields. The bill has garnered support from various stakeholders, including educators and urban planners, who recognize the need for enhanced educational initiatives that can provide essential skills and qualifications. This proactive approach is seen as a necessary step toward stimulating economic development and improving community planning.

Contention

While the bill is primarily procedural and focused on studying the educational landscape, some potential contentions could arise concerning the methods and priorities set by the commission. Discussions may surface regarding the specific programs to be funded and how to allocate resources effectively. Additionally, the dynamics of industry input versus academic recommendations might lead to debates about the best pathways for ensuring that workforce training is both comprehensive and relevant.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 H5224

House Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations Pertaining To Services And Coordination Of State Programs Relating To Older Adult Rhode Islanders (creates A 16 Member Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations For Services And The Coordination Of State Programs For Older Adult Rhode Islanders, And Report Back By May 7, 2024, And Expire On August, 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.)

RI S0634

Senate Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study The Impact And Potential Economic Benefits Of Bail Reforms On Black Rhode Islanders And The State (creates An Eleven (11) Member Commission To Study The Impact And Potential Economic Benefits Of Bail Reforms On Black Rhode Islanders And The State, And Would Report Back By February 5, 2024, And Expire On April 5, 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 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 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 S1004

Senate Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations For Improving The Pawtucket Corridor (creates A Thirteen (13) Member Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations For Improving The Pawtucket Corridor, And Reports Back To The President Of The Senate On Or Before May 7, 2024, And Expires On June 7, 2024.)

RI H5150

House Resolution Extending The Reporting And Expiration Dates Of The Special Legislative Commission To Study And Make Recommendations For A Plan And The Design Of A Vietnam Memorial To Be Located In The City Of Providence, Rhode Island (this Resolution Would Extend The Reporting And Expiration Dates Of The Commission To Study A Plan And The Design Of A Vietnam Memorial In Providence, From January 31, 2023 To January 31, 2025, And Said Commission Would Expire On April 30, 2025.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.