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HB 7052

AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- RHODE ISLAND PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sam Azzinaro and 3 co-sponsors

Rhode Island Promise now covers CCRI workforce-ready certificates, expanding eligibility while maintaining two-year tuition and fees coverage for eligible residents.

04/30/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HB 7052

Summary: HB 7052 (Rhode Island) — Rhode Island Promise Scholarship

Jurisdiction: Rhode Island | Session: 2026 | Introduced: Jan 9, 2026 | Referred: House Finance

1) Purpose and Intent

  • The bill amends the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship program to expand eligibility and clarify administration, with the overarching goal of supporting affordability and access to higher education at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI).
  • Specifically, it adds eligibility for students in workforce-ready certificate programs at CCRI.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • Definitions (updated in §16-107-4):

    • Clarifies terms such as ADA, FAFSA, mandatory fees and tuition, “on track to graduate on time,” and “student with a disability.”
    • Introduces and reiterates concepts important for program administration (recipient student, scholarship program, etc.).

  • Administration (§16-107-5):

    • CCRI financial aid office (in coordination with enrollment management) remains responsible for administering the scholarship for state residents pursuing certificates or associate degrees.
    • The award covers two years of tuition and mandatory fees, net of federal and other financial aid received by the student.
    • Scholarships are limited to one award per student.

  • Eligibility (§16-107-6):

    • Starting with CCRI enrollees in Fall 2017, eligibility criteria include:
    • Qualify for in-state tuition under CCRI residency policy, with age-conditioned graduation requirements (must graduate high school or obtain a GED by age 19; alternative state/municipal certificates may satisfy this).
    • Full-time enrollment at CCRI in the first semester after high school graduation or after receiving a GED.
    • Completion of the FAFSA (or a comparable form for those unable to complete FAFSA) by a CCRI-prescribed deadline.
    • Continuous full-time enrollment.
    • Maintenance of a 2.5+ cumulative GPA.
    • Maintenance of “on track to graduate on time” as designated by CCRI.
    • Not having previously received the Promise scholarship.
    • Commitment to reside, work, or continue education in Rhode Island after graduation (CCRI must develop a policy to secure this commitment).
    • Provisions to accommodate special circumstances:
    • Medical/personal leave or other circumstances: continued eligibility if other requirements are met upon return.
    • National Guard or reserve deployments: continued eligibility after completing military training or deployment. Students with disabilities (as of May 15, 2021) are entitled to reasonable accommodations, including:
      • Enrolling part-time, completing a high school diploma/GED by age 21, and extending time to complete the degree beyond two years.
    • Special enroll-and-continue scenarios: students who enrolled for one semester and then left may still qualify upon returning.
    • One-semester deferment of initial enrollment allowed with a written justification.

  • Effective Date (§§1-2):

    • The act takes effect upon passage.

3) Who Is Affected

  • Primary: Students attending the Community College of Rhode Island who are Rhode Island residents seeking accredited certificates or associate degrees.
  • Beneficiaries now include students enrolled in workforce-ready certificate programs at CCRI.
  • CCRI’s administration, including the financial aid office and enrollment management, will administer the scholarship.
  • Institutions and state agencies involved in residency determinations, FAFSA processing, and ADA/504 accommodations impact program implementation.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Program administration and eligibility framework are established/updated to guide CCRI’s administration for current and future cohorts.
  • The act does not specify annual funding amounts or a separate funding mechanism beyond the two-year coverage of tuition and mandatory fees, net of other aid.
  • The act became effective upon passage (no retroactive or future-fund trigger date specified beyond the enrollment periods described).

5) Notable Explanatory/Clarifying Points

  • The act explicitly notes that College Crusade Scholarship Act grants are not considered federal or other financial aid for purposes of this program.
  • The legislation addresses accommodations and flexibility for students with disabilities and specific life circumstances (military service, medical leaves, deferrals).

Overall, HB 7052 broadens Rhode Island Promise eligibility to include CCRI workforce-ready certificate programs and clarifies protections and accommodations to support diverse student needs, while maintaining the framework of a two-year tuition/mandatory-fees scholarship with single-award and residency requirements.

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

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