reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-27. - Family benefits.

§ 16-16-27. Family benefits.
(a)
Family benefits shall be payable upon the decease of the member as provided in §§ 16-16-25 through 16-16-38 if at the time of the member’s death the surviving spouse or domestic partner:
(1)
Has in his or her care a child of the deceased member entitled to child benefits;
(2)
Is not entitled to a spouse’s or domestic partner’s benefit as provided in this chapter; and
(3)
Was living with the deceased member at the time of his or her death.
(b)
Family benefits shall be payable in accordance with the following table.
The monthly benefit shall be equal to the benefit that would be available to a spouse or domestic partner under § 16-16-26 multiplied by the following percentages:
Parent
and 1
Child
Parent
and 2
Children
Parent
and more
than 2
Children
One
Child
Alone
Two
Children
Alone
Three
or more
Children
Alone
150%
175%
175%
75%
150%
175%
(c)
Family benefits as set forth in this section are payable to the former spouse or to a former domestic partner divorced of a deceased member, if the former spouse or to a former domestic partner divorced:
(1)
Has in his or her care a child of the deceased member who is his or her son, daughter, or legally adopted child entitled to child benefits payable on the basis of the deceased member’s salary;
(2)
Was receiving from the deceased member, pursuant to agreement or court order, at least one-half (
1
/
2
) of his or her support at the time of the deceased member’s death;
(3)
Is not entitled to a spouse’s or domestic partner’s benefit as provided in §§ 16-16-25 through 16-16-38.
(d)
The family monthly benefit shall be payable in accordance with the table set forth in this section. A spouse or domestic partner who no longer qualifies for benefits under this section because his or her child or children have attained the age of eighteen (18) years or twenty-three (23) years and a full time student shall be entitled to receive monthly benefits upon attaining sixty (60) years of age in accordance with the benefits set forth in § 16-16-26. The family benefits provided under this section shall cease upon the remarriage of the surviving spouse or domestic partner or establishment of a domestic partnership.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 212, § 3; P.L. 1974, ch. 254, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 217, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 498, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 485, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 295, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 510, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-28. - Children’s benefits.

§ 16-16-28. Children’s benefits.
(a)
Children’s benefits are payable to the child, including a stepchild or adopted child of a deceased member, if:
(1)
The child is unmarried and under the age of eighteen (18) years or twenty-three (23) years and a full time student, and was dependent upon the member at the time of the member’s death; or
(2)
The dependent child regardless of age was under a disability which began before the child attained the age of eighteen (18) years. A child shall not be considered disabled unless proof is furnished to the retirement board.
(b)(1)
A child is considered dependent if living with the member at the time of the member’s death and he or she was contributing to the support of the child. If the member at the time of the member’s death was not living with the child or contributing to the child’s support, the child, if legitimate, is considered dependent upon the member unless the child:
(i)
Was adopted by some other individual; or
(ii)
Was living with and receiving more than one-half (
1
/
2
) of his or her support from either one or both stepparents.
(2)
An adopted child is considered dependent upon his or her adopting parents under the same conditions as those that apply to parents and their natural children.
(c)
A child is considered dependent upon either one or both stepparents at the time of the death if the child was:
(1)
Living with his or her stepparent(s); or
(2)
Receiving at least one-half (
1
/
2
) of his or her support from either one or both of the stepparents.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 212, § 3; P.L. 1974, ch. 254, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 217, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 498, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-29. - Repealed.

§ 16-16-29. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 212, § 3; P.L. 1974, ch. 254, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1983, ch. 217, § 2. For present provisions of law concerning spouse’s benefits, see § 16-16-26.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-30. - Parent’s benefits.

§ 16-16-30. Parent’s benefits.
(a)
Parent’s benefits are payable to the parent or parents of a deceased member if the member did not leave a widow, widower, or child who could ever qualify for monthly benefits on the member’s wages and the parent:
(1)
Has reached the age of sixty (60) years;
(2)
Has not remarried or entered into a domestic partnership after the death of the member;
(3)
Was receiving at least one-half (½) of his or her support from the member at the time of the member’s death and filed proof of his or her support within two (2) years of the date of death; and
(4)
Is not entitled to a federal or state old age benefit based on his or her own earnings equal to or greater than the amount he or she would be entitled to as the dependent parent of the deceased member.
(b)
A parent’s benefit shall be payable monthly in accordance with the benefits set forth in § 16-16-26.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 212, § 3; P.L. 1974, ch. 254, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 295, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 510, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-31. - Refund on termination prior to retirement.

§ 16-16-31. Refund on termination prior to retirement.
A member withdrawing from service prior to retirement shall be entitled to a refund equal to the total amount contributed by him or her to the teachers’ survivors benefit fund, without interest.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 212, § 3; P.L. 1974, ch. 254, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-32. - Refund on retirement.

§ 16-16-32. Refund on retirement.
A member at the date of retirement in lieu of the survivors benefits provided in §§ 16-16-25 — 16-16-38 may elect to receive a lump sum payment equal to his or her contributions to the teachers’ survivors benefit fund, plus interest. Any member who retired prior to the effective date of this legislation shall have one hundred twenty (120) days from the effective date of this legislation to elect to receive a lump sum payment equal to his or her contributions to the teachers’ survivors benefit fund, plus interest. Interest is to be calculated and payable only up to the date of retirement.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 212, § 3; P.L. 1974, ch. 254, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 295, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 551, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-33. - Repealed.

§ 16-16-33. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 212, § 3; Repealed by amendment provisions of P.L. 1974, ch. 254, § 1. For present law, see § 16-16-31.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-34. - Member leaving no survivors — Reversion.

§ 16-16-34. Member leaving no survivors — Reversion.
(a)
In the case of any member who dies while in service leaving no dependents or survivors as defined in §§ 16-16-1, 16-16-11, and 16-16-25 through 16-16-38, his or her accumulated contributions to the teachers’ survivors benefit fund plus interest shall be payable to the person or persons that he or she may designate to the retirement board or in the absence of a designation to his or her estate.
(b)
Contributions made by a member who at the date of retirement did not exercise the election provided in § 16-16-32 and who dies without leaving survivors as defined in this chapter shall become part of the reserve of the fund.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 212, § 3; P.L. 1966, ch. 80, § 1; P.L. 1974, ch. 254, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-35. - Contributions.

§ 16-16-35. Contributions.
(a)
The cost of the benefits provided in §§ 16-16-25 — 16-16-38 shall be two percent (2%) of the member’s annual salary up to but not exceeding an annual salary of eleven thousand five hundred dollars ($11,500); one-half (½) of the cost shall be contributed by the member by deductions from his or her salary, and the other half (½) shall be contributed and paid by the respective city, town, or school district by which the member is employed. These contributions shall be in addition to the contributions provided in § 16-16-22 and shall be paid into the teachers’ survivors benefit fund created by §§ 16-16-25 — 16-16-38 in the same manner as contributions are made under the provisions of § 16-16-22.
(b)
In the event the market value of the teachers’ survivor benefit plan assets shall decrease below one hundred (100%) percent of the teachers’ survivor benefit plan liabilities as reported by a qualified actuary pursuant to § 16-16-37, the retirement board shall determine and fix the amount of contributions necessary to maintain a funding level of not less than one hundred (100%) percent of assets to liabilities ratio. Any adjusted cost of the benefits provided in §§ 16-16-25 — 16-16-38 shall be paid for by the member by deduction from his or her salary. These contributions shall be in addition to the contributions provided in § 16-16-22 and shall be paid into the teachers’ survivors benefit fund created by §§ 16-16-25 — 16-16-38 in the same manner as contributions are made under the provisions of § 16-16-22; provided, however, that payments to compensate for asset-to-liability ratios less than one hundred (100%) percent shall be amortized over individual ten-year (10) close periods. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this chapter or in any other provision of Rhode Island law, no benefit enhancements, beyond the current provisions within §§ 16-16-25 — 16-16-38, shall be granted until the market value of the teachers’ survivor benefit plan assets shall increase above one hundred and twenty (120%) percent of the teachers’ survivor benefit plan liabilities as reported by a qualified actuary pursuant to § 16-16-37.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 212, § 3; P.L. 1974, ch. 254, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 295, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 547, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 501, § 28; P.L. 2017, ch. 412, § 2; P.L. 2017, ch. 413, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-36. - Teachers’ survivors benefit fund.

§ 16-16-36. Teachers’ survivors benefit fund.
There shall be established by the retirement board a special reserve account to be designated as the “teachers’ survivors benefit fund” and all contributions made and other money received under §§ 16-16-25 through 16-16-38 shall be credited to and all payments for benefits shall be charged to this reserve account.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 212, § 3; P.L. 1974, ch. 254, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 295, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-37. - Administration.

§ 16-16-37. Administration.
(a)
The retirement board shall administer and carry out the provisions of §§ 16-16-25 — 16-16-38, and shall fix the rate of regular interest payable under §§ 16-16-25 — 16-16-38 to be changed from time to time, based upon the amount of interest earned by the teachers’ survivors benefit fund. The retirement board shall also cause a study and review to be made of the financial condition of the teachers’ survivors benefit fund at least once every two (2) years by a qualified actuary who shall report his or her findings and make recommendations to the board.
(b)
Any negotiated agreement entered into between any state or municipal agency or department and an employee or employees, whose conditions are contrary to the general laws or the rules and regulations and policies as adopted and promulgated by the retirement board, shall be null and void unless and until approved by formal action of the retirement board, for good cause shown.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 212, § 3; P.L. 1974, ch. 254, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 306, art. 2, § 3; P.L. 1996, ch. 295, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 86, § 36; P.L. 2004, ch. 547, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-38. - Social security.

§ 16-16-38. Social security.
Sections 16-16-25 through 16-16-38 shall not apply to teachers of any city, town, or regional school district who have elected coverage under the federal Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 301 et seq., under the provisions of chapter 7 of title 36.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 212, § 4; P.L. 1974, ch. 254, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 295, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-39. - Severability.

§ 16-16-39. Severability.
The provisions of this chapter are severable and if any of its provisions are adjudged to be invalid or unconstitutional this shall not affect or impair any of the remaining provisions.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 212, § 5; P.L. 1974, ch. 254, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-40.1. - One-time adjustment to original retirement allowance.

§ 16-16-40.1. One-time adjustment to original retirement allowance.
(a)
All teachers and the beneficiaries of teachers who retired during the calendar year 1979 shall receive an additional eight percent (8%) to their original retirement allowance.
(b)
All teachers and the beneficiaries of teachers who retired during calendar year 1978 shall receive an additional two percent (2%) added to the base eight percent (8%) paid to the 1979 retirees. Provided, further that an additional two percent (2%) of the retirement allowance shall be paid for each year to a maximum of twenty percent (20%) to those retirees and beneficiaries who retired in calendar year 1973 and prior to 1973 as indicated in the following schedule:
Year of Retirement
Additional Percentage
1979
8%
1978
10%
1977
12%
1976
14%
1975
16%
1974
18%
1973
20%
Years prior to 1973
20%
(c)
The additional percentage shall be incorporated into the recipient’s monthly benefit starting with the payment due on or after July 31, 1986.
(d)
The provisions of §§ 45-13-7 through 45-13-10 shall not apply to this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 482, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-41. - Repealed.

§ 16-16-41. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 113, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1981, ch. 9, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-42. - Life insurance benefits.

§ 16-16-42. Life insurance benefits.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, any member who, at the time of retirement from service, has in effect life insurance provided for as a benefit of his or her employment shall, after retirement, be entitled to keep the policy of life insurance in effect by paying to the city or town an amount equal to the annual cost of the policy for the individual at the time of the individual’s retirement. The policy of insurance shall remain in effect for so long as the member continues to make annual payments.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 492, § 2; P.L. 1987, ch. 580, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-43. - Purchase of credit while serving a prison sentence prohibited.

§ 16-16-43. Purchase of credit while serving a prison sentence prohibited.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of the retirement law or rulings of the retirement board in accordance with the powers vested in the board, no teacher shall be allowed to purchase service credits for time while incarcerated in prison, including, but not limited to, work release programs or home confinement programs.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 306, art. 2, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-17 - Retirement of Teachers in State Schools › Section 16-17-1. - State retirement system extended to teachers in state schools.

§ 16-17-1. State retirement system extended to teachers in state schools.
Teachers in state universities, colleges, or schools shall be covered under the provisions of chapters 8, 9, and 10 of title 36 and chapters 16 and 17.1 of this title.
History of Section.
P.L. 1948, ch. 2102, § 1; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2686, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 16-17-1; impl. am. P.L. 1959, ch. 44, § 2; P.L. 1981, ch. 126, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-17.1 - Alternate Provisions for Retirement of Teachers in State Colleges [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-17.1-1. - Definitions.

§ 16-17.1-1. Definitions.
The following words and phrases as used in this chapter, unless a different meaning is plainly required by the context, have the following meanings:
(1)
“Average compensation” means the average of the annual contractual or yearly salary of an employee during the five (5) consecutive years of employment when average compensation was the highest either: (i) as an employee under the program, or (ii) as a member of the state employees retirement system.
(2)
“Board” means the board of regents for higher education.
(3)
“Employees” means presidents, professors, instructors, or other employees of the board who are eligible to participate in any retirement program by virtue of the terms of the program and who are exempt from the merit system; except as provided in this chapter, if an employee of the board who participates in the program shall change classifications, he or she shall have the option to remain with the program.
(4)
“Retirement program” and “program” means any retirement program adopted by the board of regents for higher education for any of its employees as defined in this section.
(5)
“State colleges” means the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, Community College of Rhode Island, and any other universities, colleges, or schools under the jurisdiction of the board.
(6)
“State employees retirement system” means the retirement system existing by virtue of chapters 8 — 10 of title 36 and made applicable to employees by chapter 17 of this title.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 152, § 3; P.L. 1987, ch. 547, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-17.1 - Alternate Provisions for Retirement of Teachers in State Colleges [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-17.1-2. - Membership in a program.

§ 16-17.1-2. Membership in a program.
(a)
All employees including those so employed on May 24, 1967, who have not been active members of the state employees retirement system, upon becoming eligible for membership in a program, shall be required to participate in the program.
(b)(1)
All employees including those so employed on May 24, 1967, who become eligible for membership in a program, and who are active members of the state employees retirement system, are extended the option of continuing their active membership in the state employees retirement system or joining the program and retaining a limited membership in the state employees retirement system as set forth in this chapter and be eligible for a vested pension only as contained in this chapter. These limited members shall not be entitled to any other benefits or provisions.
(2)
All employees who become eligible for membership in the program after July 1, 1967, shall make their election within sixty (60) days after they become eligible for participation in the program. All employees not exercising the option to join a program shall be deemed to have chosen to continue active membership in the state employees retirement system in lieu of exercising the option to participate under the program.
(c)
Any employee who was a member of the program as an employee of the board, who subsequently enters the employees retirement system as a member by virtue of his or her employment, may have the option to purchase credit for any prior service with the board under the program, provided that he or she pays into the retirement system in a lump sum:
(1)
The amount he or she would have contributed to the system had he or she been a member during his or her service, plus regular interest; and
(2)
The amount of the state’s contribution to the program for his or her service, plus regular interest; and
(3)
Provided further that these payments shall be made within the employee’s first year of membership in the retirement system.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 152, § 3; P.L. 1973, ch. 20, § 1; P.L. 1973, ch. 246, § 1; P.L. 1975, ch. 106, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 547, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 86, § 37.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-17.1 - Alternate Provisions for Retirement of Teachers in State Colleges [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-17.1-3. - Optional withdrawal of contributions to retirement system upon participation in another program — Notice.

§ 16-17.1-3. Optional withdrawal of contributions to retirement system upon participation in another program — Notice.
An employee who elects to participate in a program as provided under § 16-17.1-2(b) may further elect to withdraw the total amount of all contributions he or she has made to the state employees retirement system, provided that the state retirement board shall be notified in writing of the employee’s intent to withdraw his or her contributions within ninety (90) days of the date upon which the employee becomes eligible to participate in a program. Upon the withdrawal of funds, which shall be effected within ninety (90) days following the state retirement board’s receipt of notice that the employee is participating under a program, the employee shall thereby forfeit and relinquish all accrued rights as a member of the state employees retirement system.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 152, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-17.1 - Alternate Provisions for Retirement of Teachers in State Colleges [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-17.1-4. - Continuing membership in retirement system upon participation in another program.

§ 16-17.1-4. Continuing membership in retirement system upon participation in another program.
An employee who has elected to participate in a program in accordance with the provisions of § 16-17.1-2(b) and who has not withdrawn his or her contribution as provided in § 16-17.1-3 shall continue to be a member of the state employees retirement system and service with the state colleges while participating in the program shall be considered as service under the system; provided, however, that the employee shall be required to make no further contributions to the system and provided further that should the employee leave the employ of the state or become employed by the state in a capacity which does not qualify him or her for membership in the state employees retirement system before he or she has completed ten (10) years of service as an employee under a program or as a member of the state employees retirement system, he or she shall have the right pursuant to § 36-10-8 to obtain a refund of his or her own contributions made under the state employees retirement system from the state retirement board without interest.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 152, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-17.1 - Alternate Provisions for Retirement of Teachers in State Colleges [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-17.1-5. - Method of computing benefits under state employees retirement system for employees in a program.

§ 16-17.1-5. Method of computing benefits under state employees retirement system for employees in a program.
Where an employee has elected to participate in a program in accordance with the provisions of § 16-17.1-2(b), only the years of the employee’s service prior to making the election to participate under the program shall be considered as years of service for the purposes of computing the benefits available under the state employees retirement system pursuant to chapter 10 of title 36, provided that for the purpose of determining an employee’s service retirement allowance pursuant to § 36-10-10, average compensation shall be determined in accordance with § 16-17.1-1(1) notwithstanding anything contained in the general laws to the contrary.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 152, § 3; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 49.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-17.1 - Alternate Provisions for Retirement of Teachers in State Colleges [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-17.1-6. - Retirement age.

§ 16-17.1-6. Retirement age.
An employee, notwithstanding the program he or she elects to participate in, shall not be required to retire at any age less than the maximum age as established in § 36-10-9(b).
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 292, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 520, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-18 - Annual Census of Children [Repealed.] › Section 16-18-1 - — 16-18-5. Repealed.

§ 16-18-1 — 16-18-5. Repealed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 54, §§ 13-15; P.L. 1900, ch. 739, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 66, §§ 15-17; P.L. 1920, ch. 1870, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 66, §§ 18, 19; P.L. 1922, ch. 2234, § 11; G.L. 1923, ch. 70, §§ 12-16; G.L. 1938, ch. 178, §§ 12-16; P.L. 1948, ch. 2028, § 1; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 21; G.L. 1956, §§ 16-18-1 — 16-18-5; P.L. 1961, ch. 80, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1978, ch. 85, § 1. Chapter 85 further provided in § 3 that the repeal did not preclude a local school district from conducting any school census.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-19 - Compulsory Attendance [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-19-1.1. - Grants and gifts — Acceptance and expenditure — Coventry — Woonsocket.

§ 16-19-1.1. Grants and gifts — Acceptance and expenditure — Coventry — Woonsocket.
(a)
The Coventry and Woonsocket school departments or school committees may accept any and all donations, gifts and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials and services, conditional or otherwise, from any state, the federal government, or any governmental entity or agency; or from any person, firm, association, foundation or corporation, and shall receive, utilize and dispose of the same pursuant to the express terms or conditions stipulated by such donation, gift or grant.
(b)
Any amounts so received shall be deposited with the city/town treasurer and shall be held as a separate account and may be expended by such school department or school committee receiving the grant, gift or donations without further appropriation.
(c)
If the express terms or conditions of the donation, gift or grant so stipulate, interest on the donated, gifted or granted funds may remain with and become a part of the donation, gift or grant account and may be expended as part of the donation, gift or grant by the school department or school committee receiving the donation, gift or grant without further appropriation.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 317, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 434, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 343, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 440, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-19 - Compulsory Attendance [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-19-2. - Approval of private schools — Requirements — Review.

§ 16-19-2. Approval of private schools — Requirements — Review.
For the purposes of this chapter a private school or at-home instruction shall be approved only when it complies with the following requirements: (1) that the period of attendance of the pupils in the school or in the home instruction is substantially equal to that required by law in public schools; (2) that registers are kept and returned to the school committee, the superintendent of schools, truant officers, and the department of elementary and secondary education in relation to the attendance of pupils, and are made the same as registers kept by the public schools; (3) that reading, writing, geography, arithmetic, the history of the United States, the history of Rhode Island, and the principles of American government shall be taught in the English language substantially to the same extent as these subjects are required to be taught in the public schools, and that the teaching of the English language and of other subjects indicated in this section shall be thorough and efficient; provided, however, that nothing contained in this section shall be construed or operate to deny the right to teach in private schools or in at-home instruction any of the subjects or any other subject in any other language in addition to the teaching in English as prescribed in this section; provided, further, that any interested person resident in any city or town aggrieved by the action of the school committee of the city or town either in approving or refusing to approve at-home instruction may appeal the action to the department of elementary and secondary education. The department of elementary and secondary education, after notice to the parties interested of the time and place of a hearing, shall examine and decide the appeal without cost to the parties. The commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall also grant a hearing to any party aggrieved by a refusal to approve a private school pursuant to § 16-60-6(10). The decision of the board of regents for elementary and secondary education shall, if an appeal is made to the board, be final.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 76, § 8; P.L. 1925, ch. 678, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 181, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 16-19-2; P.L. 1984, ch. 345, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-19 - Compulsory Attendance [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-19-3. - Appointment and compensation of truant officers — Supplies and assistance — Joint officers — Tenure.

§ 16-19-3. Appointment and compensation of truant officers — Supplies and assistance — Joint officers — Tenure.
The school committee of each city or town shall annually in the month of December appoint one or more persons as truant officers, who shall by virtue of their appointment be clothed with the power of special constables, and fix their compensation, which shall be payable from the appropriation for public schools. The school committee may also furnish all necessary supplies and clerical assistance for the proper and efficient performance of the duties of the truant officer. The school committee of two (2) or more cities or towns may appoint the same truant officer or officers, and any school committee that appoints other employees on a different tenure of office than annual appointments may appoint truant officers on a similar tenure in lieu of the annual appointment mentioned in this section and may fix their compensation from time to time.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 64, § 3; P.L. 1901, ch. 924, § 1; P.L. 1902, ch. 1009, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 72, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 76, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 181, § 2; impl. am. P.L. 1946, ch. 1775, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 16-19-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-19 - Compulsory Attendance [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-19-4. - Prosecution of violations — Process — Fees.

§ 16-19-4. Prosecution of violations — Process — Fees.
The truant officers shall, under the direction of the school committee, inquire into all cases arising under the provisions of this chapter, and shall be authorized, with the assistance of police officers upon request in case of violation of any of the provisions of this chapter, to make complaint for violations of this chapter. They may also serve all legal processes issued in pursuance of this chapter, but shall not be entitled to receive any fees for the service; provided, however, that in case of the commitment of any person under the provisions of any section of this chapter, or for default of payment of any fine and costs imposed, the officer shall be entitled to the regular fees allowed by law for similar service.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 64, § 3; P.L. 1901, ch. 924, § 1; P.L. 1902, ch. 1009, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 72, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 76, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 181, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 16-19-4; P.L. 1996, ch. 347, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-19 - Compulsory Attendance [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-19-5. - Inspection and reports of places of employment of minors — Work certificates.

§ 16-19-5. Inspection and reports of places of employment of minors — Work certificates.
Truant officers and industrial inspectors may visit any places or establishments where minor children are employed to ascertain whether the provisions of this chapter are duly complied with, and may as often as twice in every year demand from all employers of minor children a report containing the names of all children who have not completed sixteen (16) years of life that are employed by them, the report to give the names, ages, and residences of all these children; and all employers of children under sixteen (16) years of age shall produce for the inspection of truant officers and industrial inspectors the permits to work prescribed by chapter 3 of title 28; and for any refusal to make reports provided for in this section, or for any refusal to produce the permits to work provided for in this section, any employer of children shall be fined not exceeding ten dollars ($10.00).
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 64, §§ 7-9; P.L. 1902, ch. 1009, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 72, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 76, § 3; P.L. 1936, ch. 2360, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 181, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 16-19-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-19 - Compulsory Attendance [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-19-6. - Proceedings against habitual truants and offenders.

§ 16-19-6. Proceedings against habitual truants and offenders.
Every habitual truant, that is, every child who is required under § 16-19-1 to attend school and who willfully and habitually absents himself or herself from attending school; and every habitual school offender, that is, every child who is required to attend school under the provision of § 16-19-1, but who persistently violates the rules and regulations of the school which he or she attends, or otherwise persistently misbehaves in the school which he or she attends, so as to render him or herself a fit subject for exclusion; shall be deemed a wayward child as provided in chapter 1 of title 14, and shall be subject to all the provisions of chapter 1 of title 14, and may be proceeded against and dealt with as a wayward child in accordance with the provisions of chapter 1 of title 14.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 64, §§ 8, 12, 13; P.L. 1902, ch. 1009, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 72, § 5; P.L. 1922, ch. 2210, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 76, § 4; P.L. 1923, ch. 449, § 1; P.L. 1926, ch. 840, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 181, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 16-19-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-19 - Compulsory Attendance [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-19-7. - Disposition of fines.

§ 16-19-7. Disposition of fines.
All fines under the provisions of §§ 16-19-1 and 16-19-5 shall inure and be applied to the support of the public schools in the city or town where the offense was committed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 64, §§ 9, 15; P.L. 1902, ch. 1009, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 72, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 76, § 5; P.L. 1926, ch. 840, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 181, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 16-19-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-19 - Compulsory Attendance [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-19-8. - Jurisdiction of family court.

§ 16-19-8. Jurisdiction of family court.
(a)
Jurisdiction of cases arising under § 16-19-1 may reside with juvenile hearing boards in those cities and towns that so desire to hear these cases and which have established juvenile hearing boards. Any municipal juvenile hearing board established pursuant to this section shall, prior to hearing any compulsory attendance cases, inform the chief judge of the family court, in writing, of its establishment and plan to hear compulsory attendance cases. In all other cases arising under § 16-19-1 jurisdiction shall be with the family court. The town of North Providence shall have the authority to establish a juvenile hearing board pursuant to this section.
(b)
The family court shall also have authority to issue equitable orders, enforceable through contempt of court proceedings, needed to enforce § 16-19-1. As an alternative to the procedure set out in § 16-19-1, the school committee may file a civil complaint seeking injunctive relief in truancy cases. If the family court rules in favor of the school committee the court may issue an injunction, enforceable through contempt of court proceedings, requiring compliance with the compulsory attendance law. Neither prior resort to enforcement proceedings under § 16-19-1 nor a showing of irreparable injury shall be prerequisite to injunctive relief under this section.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 64, §§ 10, 16; P.L. 1902, ch. 1009, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 72, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 76, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 181, § 6; impl. am. P.L. 1944, ch. 1441, § 14; G.L. 1956, § 16-19-8; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 31; P.L. 1984, ch. 345, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 272, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 281, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-19 - Compulsory Attendance [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-19-9. - Immunity from liability for costs.

§ 16-19-9. Immunity from liability for costs.
No officer complaining under any of the provisions of this chapter shall be required to give surety for costs; and the officer shall not in any way become liable for any costs that may accrue on the complaint.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 64, §§ 11, 17; P.L. 1902, ch. 1009, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 72, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 76, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 181, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 16-19-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-19 - Compulsory Attendance [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-19-10. - Notification of pupil absence.

§ 16-19-10. Notification of pupil absence.
(a)
Whenever any pupil in grades kindergarten through nine (9) fails to report to school on a regularly scheduled school day and no indication has been received by school personnel that the pupil’s parent or guardian is aware of the pupil’s absence, a reasonable effort to notify, by telephone, the parent or guardian shall be made by school personnel or volunteers organized by the school committee of each city, town, or regional school district or the director or other person in charge of private schools of elementary and secondary grades.
(b)
School committees, school personnel, or volunteers organized pursuant to this section shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability in connection with the notice to parents of a pupil’s absence or failure to give the notice required by this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 428, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-20 - Holidays and Days of Special Observance › Section 16-20-1. - School holidays enumerated.

§ 16-20-1. School holidays enumerated.
The first day of January (as New Year’s Day), the third Monday of January (as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day), the twenty-second day of February (as Washington’s Birthday), the thirtieth day of May (as Memorial Day), the fourth day of July (as Independence Day), the twelfth day of October (as Columbus Day), the eleventh day of November (as Veterans Day), the twenty-fifth day of December (as Christmas Day), and each of these days in every year, or when any of the days falls on a Sunday, then the day following it, the first Monday of September (as Labor Day), and any other days that the governor or general assembly of this state or the president or the congress of the United States shall appoint as holidays for any purpose, days of thanksgiving, or days of solemn fast, shall be school holidays and no session of any school, except as provided in this section, in this state shall be held on any one of these days. Independent schools shall not be required to observe as a holiday the third Monday of January (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day).
History of Section.
P.L. 1914, ch. 1071, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 75, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 191, § 1; P.L. 1942, ch. 1223, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 16-20-1; P.L. 1980, ch. 270, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 86, § 38.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-20 - Holidays and Days of Special Observance › Section 16-20-2. - Special holidays for war effort.

§ 16-20-2. Special holidays for war effort.
In addition to the holidays in § 16-20-1, the governor may proclaim school holidays for the purpose of using the school premises and/or personnel in whole or in part for the state and/or federal administration in connection with a war effort, and the days so proclaimed may on specific recommendation of the governor be deducted by the authorities of the several cities and towns from the gross number of school days required by law.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 191, § 1; P.L. 1942, ch. 1223, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 16-20-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-20 - Holidays and Days of Special Observance › Section 16-20-3. - Days of special observance — Duty of teachers and officials.

§ 16-20-3. Days of special observance — Duty of teachers and officials.
The twelfth day of February (as Grand Army Flag Day, in honor of the birthday of Abraham Lincoln), the last Friday in April (as Arbor Day), the fourth day of May (as Rhode Island Independence Day), the thirteenth day of September (as Commodore John Barry Day), and each of these days in every year, or when any of these days shall fall on Saturday then the day preceding, or on Sunday then the day following, shall be especially observed with appropriate exercises in all the schools of this state; and it shall be the duty of teachers and school officers to make suitable provisions for the proper observance of these days.
History of Section.
P.L. 1914, ch. 1071, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 75, § 2; P.L. 1936, ch. 2282, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 191, § 2; P.L. 1945, ch. 1535, § 1; P.L. 1950, ch. 2453, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 16-20-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-20 - Holidays and Days of Special Observance › Section 16-20-4. - Grand Army Flag Day — Uniform salute to the flag.

§ 16-20-4. Grand Army Flag Day — Uniform salute to the flag.
It shall be the duty of the teachers of the public schools to prepare a program of patriotic exercises for the proper observance of Grand Army Flag Day. The department of elementary and secondary education shall prepare for the use of the schools a printed program providing for a uniform salute to the flag, to be used daily during the session of the school. The salute to the flag shall be as follows: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”.
History of Section.
P.L. 1901, ch. 818 § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 64, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 66, § 12; P.L. 1932, ch. 1927, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 20, § 1; P.L. 1939, ch. 689, § 1; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 16-20-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21 - Health and Safety of Pupils › Section 16-21-1.1. - Student registration for transportation.

§ 16-21-1.1. Student registration for transportation.
(a)
The school committee of any city or town or regional school district in this state may maintain a registry of any students who will require busing during the school year.
(b)
The students’ parents may register the names and addresses of students with the school district at the start of each school year.
(c)
The school district of each city or town or regional school district may use the information in the registry to more cost-efficiently provide transportation to its pupils who it is responsible for transporting to school.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 461, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 462, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21 - Health and Safety of Pupils › Section 16-21-2. - Repealed.

§ 16-21-2. Repealed.
History of Section.
This section (G.L. 1923, ch. 70, § 31½; P.L. 1937, ch. 2506, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 178, § 31; G.L. 1956, § 16-21-2; P.L. 1971, ch. 270, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 187, § 1), which was declared unconstitutional by the federal district court, Members of Jamestown School Comm. v. Schmidt, 427 F. Supp. 1338 (D.R.I. 1977), is considered repealed by § 16-21.1-6. For present provisions, see §§ 16-21.1-1 — 16-21.1-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-21 - Health and Safety of Pupils › Section 16-21-3. - Standards for school building.

§ 16-21-3. Standards for school building.
(a)
The state building codes standards committee, the state fire marshal, the state health department, and the department of labor and training — division of occupational health and safety shall determine whether the school buildings in the several cities and towns or on state property conform to appropriate state law and regulation. Further, it shall be the responsibility of each local fire chief, local building inspector, the director of the state department of health, and the director of the state department of labor and training to determine and notify each local school superintendent or private school official by August 1 of each year as to whether the public and private nursery and elementary and secondary school buildings conform to appropriate state law and regulation. In the case of those schools on state property, it shall be the responsibility of the state building commissioner, the state fire marshal, the director of the department of health, and the department of labor and training to notify the department director responsible for the operation of the school as to whether these schools conform to appropriate state law and regulation.
(b)
The state building code standards committee shall establish building code standards necessary for the implementation of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1911, ch. 725, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 78, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 182, § 3; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 16-21-3; P.L. 1986, ch. 337, §§ 2, 3.