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SB 676

AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 8 co-sponsors

Rhode Island bill would establish a student loan repayment assistance program to help residents manage federal and private student debt, addressing economic mobility concerns.

05/20/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 676

Legislative bill overview

SB 676 establishes a student loan repayment assistance program in Rhode Island designed to help state residents manage their federal and private student debt. The bill was introduced in March 2025 and referred to the Senate Finance Committee, where it received a recommendation for further study in May 2025.

Why is this important

Student loan debt significantly impacts Rhode Island residents' ability to purchase homes, start businesses, and participate fully in the economy. As of 2024, the average student loan debt for Rhode Island graduates exceeds $37,000, making repayment assistance a tangible quality-of-life issue for working-age residents and a potential economic development tool for the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Program funding and fiscal impact: Unclear whether the program would be funded through general revenue, bonding, or federal grants, and what the annual cost to Rhode Island taxpayers would be
  • Eligibility criteria: Questions remain about income thresholds, residency requirements, loan type eligibility (federal vs. private), and whether the program prioritizes certain professions or demographics
  • Sustainability and fairness: Concerns that loan repayment assistance may unfairly benefit college-educated borrowers over those who chose alternative career paths, and questions about long-term program viability

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

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