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HB 5487

AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- OFFENSES PERTAINING TO SCHOOLS

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jose Batista and 6 co-sponsors

Prohibits legacy admissions in Rhode Island public and private colleges; bans any preferential treatment for relatives of alumni and requires ignoring alumni status in admissions.

03/04/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HB 5487

Summary — HB 5487 (2025)

Title: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- OFFENSES PERTAINING TO SCHOOLS
Bill number: HB 5487
Introduced by: Representatives Morales, Giraldo, Cruz, Batista, Potter, Stewart, and Cotter
Introduced: 02/13/2025 (filed 03/14/2025)
Current status: 03/04/2025 — Committee recommended measure be held for further study; withdrawn from schedule 04/16/2025
Effective date: Upon passage

Purpose

HB 5487 would prohibit “legacy” preferences in college and university admissions in Rhode Island by forbidding preferential treatment for applicants based on a familial relationship to a previous attendee. The intent is to eliminate admissions advantages tied to alumni family connections.

Key provisions

  • Adds a new section to Rhode Island General Laws, Chapter 16-38: 16-38-15 (Legacy admissions).
  • Prohibits both public and private universities from extending any preferential treatment to an applicant because of the applicant’s familial relationship to a previous attendee.
    • Language used: “in any manner,” indicating a broad ban on preferential treatment.
  • Prohibits universities from asking about familial relationships to previous attendees on admissions applications.
    • If the university learns of such a familial relationship during the admissions process, the institution is still barred from extending preferential treatment to that applicant.
  • Takes effect immediately upon passage.

Who would be affected

  • All Rhode Island public and private universities and colleges: admissions policies, application forms, and admissions staff procedures would need to comply.
  • Prospective applicants who are family members of alumni: would no longer be eligible for legacy-based preference.
  • Alumni relations and fundraising programs may be indirectly affected if legacy status has been used in recruitment or stewardship strategies.

Implementation and enforcement

  • The bill text does not specify enforcement mechanisms, penalties, or a state agency responsible for oversight or compliance reporting.
  • Compliance would likely require amendments to application forms, admissions training, and internal admissions policies at affected institutions.
  • Possible legal or administrative questions could arise regarding enforcement against private institutions and interactions with federal law or existing contractual practices; none are addressed in the bill.

Legislative timeline / actions (selected)

  • 02/13/2025: Introduced; referred to House Education
  • 02/28/2025: Scheduled for hearing/consideration (03/04/2025)
  • 03/04/2025: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 03/14/2025: Filed
  • 04/07/2025: Read first time; referred to Delivery of Government Efficiency
  • 04/16/2025: Withdrawn from schedule

Notes

  • The provision applies broadly to “public or private university” without carving out types/sizes of institutions.
  • The bill’s broad prohibition (“in any manner”) and the lack of stated enforcement provisions mean practical implementation details would be worked out by institutions or future legislation/regulation if the bill advances.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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