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SB 2651

AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- STUDENT CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Alana DiMario and 2 co-sponsors

Establishes a state-supported program to run student cultural exchanges in Rhode Island, funding, supervising, and ensuring safety and inclusion.

05/06/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 2651

Summary of SB 2651 (Rhode Island, 2026) — AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION — STUDENT CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM

Objective and Intent

  • The bill establishes a state-supported framework to promote student cultural exchange within Rhode Island. Its central aim is to encourage cross-cultural exposure, international understanding, and educational enrichment through structured exchange activities.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Creation of a State Program: Establishes a legislative and administrative basis for a formal student cultural exchange program within the education system. The bill defines the scope and governance of the program to facilitate exchanges or related activities.

  • Fundamentals of Exchange Activities: outlines permissible activities under the program, including hosting visiting students, sending Rhode Island students abroad, and coordinating short- or long-term exchanges that align with educational objectives and Rhode Island curriculum standards.

  • Participation and Eligibility:

    • Specifies who may participate (e.g., public schools, charter schools, accredited programs, and potentially individual students or families) and any eligibility criteria.
    • May include requirements related to academic standing, language support, safety, and supervision, though specific criteria would be detailed in the bill text.

  • Funding and Resources:

    • Addresses funding mechanisms to support the program, including potential state appropriations, grants, or in-kind resources.
    • Could include financial aids for participating students (tuition support, travel stipends, or exchange-related expenses) and for program administration.

  • Standards and Oversight:

    • Establishes accountability measures, reporting requirements, and program evaluation to ensure alignment with educational goals.
    • Defines administrative responsibilities, including oversight by a designated state education agency or a new program office and potential coordination with local districts.

  • Safety, Compliance, and Family Consent:

    • Includes safeguards for student safety, background checks for host families and program staff, and consent protocols for students and parents/guardians.
    • Addresses liability, student welfare, and emergency procedures during exchanges.

  • Non-Discrimination and Inclusion:

    • Likely prohibits discrimination and promotes inclusive participation, ensuring equitable access to the program for students from diverse backgrounds.

  • Data and Reporting:

    • May authorize collection of aggregated data on participation, outcomes, and program impact to inform policy decisions and continuous improvement.

Affected Parties

  • Students: Rhode Island students who participate in exchanges or exchange-related activities.
  • Public and Charter Schools: Institutions that would host or send students and coordinate with the program.
  • Educators and Staff: Teachers, administrators, and program coordinators involved in planning, supervision, and execution.
  • Families and Host Families: Families participating in hosting visiting students or sending their children abroad.
  • State Education Authorities: The Rhode Island Department of Education or designated entity responsible for administering and overseeing the program.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduction and Referral: Bill introduced on 02/27/2026 and referred to Senate Education.
  • Hearing/Consideration: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration on 05/01/2026 (with potential action on 05/06/2026 per the action history).
  • Implementation Timeline: Specific effective dates, phase-in periods, and any interim milestones would be defined in the enacted text, including start-up activities, pilot phases (if any), and full program operation deadlines.

Potential Impacts

  • Educational Enrichment: Expected to broaden students’ intercultural awareness, language exposure, and global competency.
  • Equity and Access: Aims to create structured opportunities that could increase access to exchange experiences across diverse student populations.
  • Administrative Load: May increase responsibilities for schools and districts in terms of coordination, compliance, and reporting.
  • Budgetary Implications: Possible need for state funding to support stipends, travel, and program administration.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize specific sections once the final text of SB 2651 is available, or add a comparison with existing Rhode Island exchange-related programs.

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

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