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RI H7456

Bill

Official Source

Status

Introduced

1/30/2026

Primary Sponsor

Maryann Shallcross-Smith

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Requires all Rhode Island public schools (K-12) to employ at least one full-time certified school social worker for every 250 students
  • Social workers must hold a valid professional certificate in school social work issued by the state Department of Education
  • Appropriates $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 to school districts and municipalities to hire additional social workers
  • Adds this social worker staffing requirement as a new categorical program eligible for direct state funding under the Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act
  • Takes effect immediately upon passage

Legislative Description

Mandates public schools (K-12) have one full-time certified social worker for every 250 students and allocates $2 million in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget for school districts and municipalities to hire additional social workers.

Education

Last Action

Introduced, referred to House Finance

1/30/2026

Committee Referrals

Finance1/30/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available