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HR 7011

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AUDITORY ORAL PROGRAM

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dick Fascia and 2 co-sponsors

The bill would authorize a one-year appropriation of $1,167,100 to the Rhode Island Auditory Oral Program to provide specialized auditory-oral education for children with hearing l

04/28/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HR 7011

Summary: HR 7011 (Rhode Island, 2026) — Joint Resolution Making an Appropriation to the Rhode Island Auditory Oral Program

Overview

  • Bill type: Joint Resolution
  • Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
  • Session: 2026
  • Introduced: January 7, 2026
  • Sponsors: Rep. McNamara, Rep. Handy, Rep. Fascia (co-sponsors: Fascia, Handy, McNamara)
  • Committee: House Finance
  • Status: As of action history, recommended to be held for further study (April 28, 2026)

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill seeks a fiscal appropriation of $1,167,100 (one million, one hundred sixty-seven thousand, one hundred dollars) to the Rhode Island Auditory Oral Program (RIAOP).
  • The RIAOP is described as a statewide educational program currently housed within the Foster School Department.
  • Objectives of the program: provide specialized auditory-oral programming for children with hearing loss who benefit from hearing technology, and equip these children with tools to support successful inclusion and achievement in educational settings.

Key Provisions

  • Funding authorization: Appropriates $1,167,100 from the state treasury for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
  • Source and administration: Funds are drawn from any monies in the treasury not otherwise appropriated. The State Controller is authorized to issue orders on the General Treasurer for payment of the appropriation, based on properly authenticated vouchers.
  • Program placement: The bill acknowledges the program as a statewide educational program currently housed within the Foster School Department (no explicit reorganization or relocation proposed in the text).

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Primary beneficiary: Children with hearing loss who require auditory-oral education and related supports, along with families and educators implementing specialized programming.
  • Institutions involved: Rhode Island Auditory Oral Program and the Foster School Department (where the program is currently housed).
  • Revenue impact: A one-year appropriation of $1,167,100 for the 2026-2027 fiscal year; potential ongoing funding would require separate appropriations in future sessions.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Effective period: The appropriation is designated for Fiscal Year 2026-2027; no other years are specified in the text provided.
  • Approval path: Referred to House Finance; as of April 28, 2026, the measure was recommended to be held for further study, indicating continued consideration before final passage.
  • Accounts and audits: The bill directs the payment process via vouchers and standard state financial procedures, with the State Controller handling disbursement.

Summary in Plain Language

This Joint Resolution proposes a one-year funding appropriation of $1,167,100 to the Rhode Island Auditory Oral Program, a statewide educational initiative supporting children with hearing loss through specialized auditory-oral education and access to hearing tech-enabled tools. The funds would come from the state treasury for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, with payments made upon properly authenticated vouchers. The program is currently housed within the Foster School Department, and the bill does not specify any organizational changes. The measure is under House Finance consideration and had not yet been enacted as of the latest action.

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

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