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RI S2245

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/23/2026

Primary Sponsor

Susan Sosnowski

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Mandates all Rhode Island public schools in grades K-12 employ at least one full-time certified school social worker for every 250 students

  • Requires social workers to hold a valid professional certificate in school social work issued by the state department of education

  • Appropriates $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 to school districts and municipalities to hire additional social workers

  • Amends the Educational Equity and Property Tax Relief Act (Section 16-7.2-6) to add social worker staffing requirements as a new categorical program eligible for state funding

  • 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 Senate Finance

1/23/2026

Committee Referrals

Finance1/23/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available