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HR 8351

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mia Ackerman and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island will form a 15-member commission to study and reform the education funding formula, with a five-year transition plan toward more equitable, transparent, and sustainabl

06/22/2026 Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · HR 8351

Summary of Bill HR 8351 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Joint Resolution creating a special joint legislative commission to study Rhode Island's education funding formula and education finance system

Purpose and Intent

  • Establish a temporary, fifteen-member Special Joint Legislative Commission to conduct a comprehensive study of Rhode Island’s education funding formula and overall education finance system.
  • Build on recommendations from the Rhode Island Foundation’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Education Funding to assess modernization, equity, transparency, and sustainability of funding, and to propose a transition plan for reforms.

Key Provisions and Changes Proposed

  • Commission Composition (15 members):
    • 3 members of the Rhode Island Senate (at least 1 from the minority party) appointed by the President of the Senate.
    • 3 members of the Rhode Island House of Representatives (at least 1 from the minority party) appointed by the Speaker of the House.
    • 12 ex officio or designee members representing relevant organizations and state agencies:
    • Executive Director of the National Education Association Rhode Island (or designee)
    • President of the American Federation of Teachers Rhode Island (or designee)
    • Commissioner of the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (or designee)
    • Director of the Rhode Island Office of Management and Budget (or designee)
    • Senior Advisor for Education to the Rhode Island Governor (or designee)
    • Executive Director of the Rhode Island Association of School Committees (or designee)
    • Executive Director of the Rhode Island School Superintendents Association (or designee)
    • President of the Rhode Island Association of School Business Officials (or designee)
    • President of the Rhode Island Government Finance Officers Association (or designee)
  • Purpose and Scope of Study:
    1. Assess the feasibility of implementing recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Commission Report, including:
      • Evaluating statutory recommendations
      • Recommending additional measures and weights not specified in the report
      • Comparing total costs of proposed reforms against the current system using the most recent finalized and validated UCOA revenue and expenditure data
    2. Examine adequacy, equity, predictability, and long-term fiscal sustainability of the current funding formula, considering:
      • Declining enrollment
      • Rising educational costs
      • Municipal fiscal capacity disparities
    3. Develop recommendations for modifications to Rhode Island’s education funding formula aligned with educational and fiscal needs
    4. Propose a transition plan not to exceed five fiscal years, detailing annual adjustments to state and municipal shares to achieve full implementation
  • Timelines and Meetings:
    • The Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate shall designate the commission’s chair immediately after passage.
    • The commission must meet by no later than October 31, 2026.
    • Regular meetings may include input from stakeholders (community members, educators, financial experts).
  • Support and Operations:
    • All state departments and agencies must provide necessary information to aid the commission.
    • Vacancies are filled in the same manner as original appointments.
    • Members do not receive compensation but may receive necessary funding and administrative support.
    • Joint Committee on Legislative Services to provide suitable quarters and support.
  • Reporting Requirements:
    • Interim report due to Governor, Speaker, and Senate President by March 2, 2027.
    • Final report due by September 1, 2027.
    • Commission expires on December 1, 2027.

Who Would Be Affected

  • State and local educational entities in Rhode Island, including school districts and municipalities, as the bill targets the funding formula and related costs.
  • Education stakeholders and employees (teachers, administrators, unions, school committees, and business officials) via the composition and involvement of representative bodies.
  • State agencies (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Management and Budget, Governor’s staff) required to provide information and participate.

Procedural and Timeline Highlights

  • Introduced March 25, 2026; referred to House Finance.
  • Substituted version (Sub A) recommended for passage on June 9, 2026.
  • Interim report due March 2, 2027; final report due September 1, 2027.
  • Commission expires December 1, 2027.
  • Purpose is to pave the way for potential education funding reform, with a concrete five-year transition framework for implementation.

Potential Impact (What this could mean if enacted)

  • A detailed, evidence-based evaluation of the current funding formula and proposed reforms, potentially leading to revised funding weights, broader definitions of education costs, and greater state participation in education expenses.
  • Enhanced transparency and accountability in education finance with an emphasis on equity across districts with varying enrollment trends and fiscal capacities.
  • A structured transition plan to gradually implement recommended changes over up to five years, reducing abrupt shifts in funding for municipalities and the state.
  • Broad stakeholder engagement, ensuring input from educators, unions, administrators, and fiscal officials in shaping policy recommendations.

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

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