Rhode IslandS26352026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- FEDERAL AID .

Sponsored By: Valarie J. Lawson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Lower school meal payment fees for families

Vendors can only charge actual processing costs, capped at 2% of your deposit. No profit or convenience fees are allowed, and most money goes to meals. Every public school must offer at least one no-fee way to pay for meals or other school fees. Before checkout, online systems must show all fees and how to use a no-fee option. Districts must tell families, and new contracts that hide or skip disclosures can be voided. RIDE sets and enforces statewide rules. The law takes effect upon passage.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Valarie J. Lawson
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Jacob Bissaillon
Democratic • Senate
Robert Britto
Democratic • Senate
Frank A. Ciccone, III
Democratic • Senate
Hanna M. Gallo
Democratic • Senate
Matthew L. LaMountain
Democratic • Senate
Melissa A. Murray
Democratic • Senate
Brian J. Thompson
Democratic • Senate
David P. Tikoian
Democratic • Senate
Lori Urso
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 135 • No: 0

House vote • 6/4/2026

EDUCATION - FEDERAL AID PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 63 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/28/2026

FEDERAL AID Passage

Yes: 36 • No: 0