Rhode IslandS33682026 Regular SessionSenate

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY RHODE ISLAND'S EDUCATION FUNDING FORMULA AND EDUCATION FINANCE SYSTEM .

Sponsored By: Hanna M. Gallo (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Commission reviews and plans school funding

The commission studies Rhode Island’s school funding formula and finance system. It reviews the Blue Ribbon Commission’s recommendations. It compares proposed costs with the current system using the most recent validated UCOA year. It assesses adequacy, equity, predictability, and long-term sustainability. It considers falling enrollment, rising costs, and city and town fiscal capacity. It recommends formula changes and a transition plan of up to five fiscal years. The plan must spell out yearly state and local share changes.

Commission timeline, reports, and support

The Speaker of the House and the Senate President designate the chair. The commission meets no later than October 31, 2026. An interim report goes to the Governor, Speaker, and Senate President by March 2, 2027. A final report is due by September 1, 2027. The commission ends on December 1, 2027. All state agencies must provide the advice, data, and documents the commission needs. The Joint Committee on Legislative Services provides space. The commission may receive funding and administrative help as needed.

Rhode Island school funding panel created

The law creates a 15-member joint commission to study Rhode Island’s school funding. It includes three senators and three representatives, with at least one minority member in each group. Other members are the NEA Rhode Island executive director, the AFT Rhode Island president, and the state education commissioner. It also includes the state budget director and the Governor’s senior education advisor. Leaders of school committees and superintendents serve through their statewide associations. The presidents of school business officials and government finance officers groups also serve. Members serve without pay, and vacancies are filled the same way as the original appointments.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Hanna M. Gallo
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Louis P. DiPalma
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 134 • No: 9

House vote • 6/11/2026

CREATING A SPECIAL JOINT LEGISLA PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 60 • No: 9

Senate vote • 6/10/2026

CREATING SPECIAL JOINT LEG. COMM STUDY RI EDUCATION FUNDING Approval of Amendment Passage

Yes: 37 • No: 0