reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-106 - The Performance Incentive Funding Act of 2016 › Section 16-106-4. - Performance incentive funding — Rhode Island College.

§ 16-106-4. Performance incentive funding — Rhode Island College.
(a)
Beginning in FY 2018, funding for Rhode Island college (“RIC”) shall include a performance-based component utilizing all additional allocations of otherwise unrestricted, higher-education general revenue greater than the base amount received pursuant to the FY 2016 budget as enacted, of total unrestricted state higher-education funding.
(b)
Data on which to base performance measures as described in subsection (c) shall be defined by the commissioner of postsecondary education, in consultation with the council on postsecondary education. Measures shall begin to be collected in FY 2017.
These measures may include and incorporate outcomes or goals from multiple, previous years. The lack of information from previous years, however, will not affect the use of performance-based measures.
(c)
Rhode Island college shall have unique measures consistent with its purpose, role, scope, and mission. The performance-based measures shall include the following metrics:
(1)
The number and percentage, including growth in relation to enrollment and prior years of bachelor’s degrees awarded to first-time, full-time students within four (4) years and six (6) years, including summer graduates;
(2)
The number of degrees awarded that are tied to Rhode Island’s high demand, high-wage employment opportunities consistent with the institution’s mission;
(3)
One measure that applies only to RIC, as agreed to by the commissioner of postsecondary education and the president of RIC, who shall consider faculty, staff, and student input; and
(4)
Any other measures that are deemed appropriate by the council on postsecondary education.
(d)
Weight may be assigned to any of the aforementioned metrics to reinforce the mission of RIC, the economic needs of the state, and the socio-economic status of the students. The commissioner may consider the institution’s improvements in said metrics when determining whether it has satisfied the annual measure despite not reaching the overall goal.
(e)
The commissioner shall provide faculty and students an opportunity to provide input on the development of performance measures.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 521, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 9, § 10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-106 - The Performance Incentive Funding Act of 2016 › Section 16-106-5. - Performance not achieved.

§ 16-106-5. Performance not achieved.
If a public institution of higher education has failed to achieve one or more of the performance metrics set forth in accordance with this chapter, the funds associated with each, unachieved metric shall be distributed to the same institution for corrective action, with oversight by the office of the postsecondary commissioner.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 521, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-106 - The Performance Incentive Funding Act of 2016 › Section 16-106-6. - Accountability — Authority to revise and transparency.

§ 16-106-6. Accountability — Authority to revise and transparency.
(a)
The commissioner of postsecondary education shall monitor, publish, and report to the council on postsecondary education the level of performance on all metrics identified in accordance with this chapter for the community college of Rhode Island, and Rhode Island college.
(b)
The commissioner of postsecondary education, in consultation with the council on postsecondary education, shall revise the metrics at a time when performance has reached a pre-defined level. Future metrics shall further goals identified by the board of education and the governor’s workforce board, and the applicable purpose and mission of the institution of higher education to which they apply.
(c)
Each public higher-education institution shall publish its performance on all of its associated metrics prescribed in this chapter on its website.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 521, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 9, § 10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-106 - The Performance Incentive Funding Act of 2016 › Section 16-106-7. - State postsecondary education funding formula.

§ 16-106-7. State postsecondary education funding formula.
(a)
Implementation of a state postsecondary-education funding formula shall be contingent upon the approval of the general assembly. On or before October 1, 2016, the commissioner of postsecondary education shall present to the board of education and the general assembly, the following:
(1)
A proposal for the further definition of the budget for “otherwise unrestricted higher education general revenue” in accordance with §§ 16-106-3(a) and 16-106-4(a); and
(2)
With input from an advisory workgroup composed of representatives of the administration and faculty of Community College of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and University of Rhode Island, the commissioner shall develop a proposal for a funding formula for calculating budgetary needs of the public postsecondary institutions.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 521, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-107 - Rhode Island Promise Scholarship › Section 16-107-1. - Short title.

§ 16-107-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Rhode Island Promise Scholarship Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 302, art. 3, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-107 - Rhode Island Promise Scholarship › Section 16-107-2. - Legislative findings and purpose.

§ 16-107-2. Legislative findings and purpose.
(a)
The general assembly finds and declares that:
(1)
Education is critical for the state’s young people to achieve their dreams and develop their talents;
(2)
The state’s economic success depends on a highly educated and skilled workforce; and
(3)
The state’s future prosperity depends upon its ability to make educational opportunities beyond high school available for all students as part of a free public education.
(b)
In order to address the findings set forth in subsection (a), the purpose of this chapter is to increase the number of students enrolling in and completing degrees on time from the community college of Rhode Island.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 302, art. 3, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-107 - Rhode Island Promise Scholarship › Section 16-107-3. - Establishment of scholarship program.

§ 16-107-3. Establishment of scholarship program.
Beginning with the high school graduating class of 2017, there is hereby established the Rhode Island promise scholarship program. The general assembly shall annually appropriate the funds necessary to implement the purposes of this chapter. Additional funds beyond the scholarships may be appropriated to support and advance the Rhode Island promise scholarship program. In addition to appropriation by the general assembly, charitable donations may be accepted into the scholarship program.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 302, art. 3, § 1; P.L. 2020, ch. 80, art. 1, § 34; P.L. 2021, ch. 27, § 1, effective May 28, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 28, § 1, effective May 28, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-107 - Rhode Island Promise Scholarship › Section 16-107-4. - Definitions.

§ 16-107-4. Definitions.
When used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1)
“ADA” means the American with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq., as may be amended from time to time;
(2)
“FAFSA” means the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form;
(3)
“Mandatory fees and tuition” are the costs that every student is required to pay in order to enroll in classes, and does not include room and board, textbooks, program fees that may exist in some majors, course fees that may exist for some specific courses, meal plans, or travel;
(4)
“On track to graduate on time” means the standards determined by the community college of Rhode Island in establishing the expectation of a student to graduate with an associate’s degree within two (2) years of enrollment (recognizing that some students, including students who require developmental education, are double majors, or are enrolled in certain professional programs may require an extended time period for degree completion);
(5)
“Reasonable accommodations” means any necessary modifications or adjustment to a facility, equipment, program, or manner of operation as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794, as may be amended from time to time;
(6)
“Recipient student” means a student attending the community college of Rhode Island who qualifies to receive the Rhode Island promise scholarship pursuant to § 16-107-6;
(7)
“Scholarship program” means the Rhode Island promise scholarship program that is established pursuant to § 16-107-3;
(8)
“State” means the state of Rhode Island; and
(9)
“Student with a disability” means any student otherwise eligible pursuant to § 16-107-6 who has a physical, developmental, or hidden disability or disabilities, as defined in § 42-87-1, that would create a hardship or other functional obstacles preventing participation in this program.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 302, art. 3, § 1; P.L. 2021, ch. 27, § 1, effective May 28, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 28, § 1, effective May 28, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-107 - Rhode Island Promise Scholarship › Section 16-107-5. - Administration of scholarship program.

§ 16-107-5. Administration of scholarship program.
(a)
The financial aid office, in conjunction with the office of enrollment management or their respective equivalent offices, at the community college of Rhode Island, shall administer the scholarship program for state residents seeking associate degrees who meet the eligibility requirements in this chapter.
(b)
An award of the scholarship program shall cover the cost of two (2) years of tuition and mandatory fees, less federal and all other financial aid monies available to the recipient student. No grant received by students from the College Crusade Scholarship Act as established in chapter 70 of this title shall be considered federal or financial aid for the purposes of this chapter.
(c)
The scholarship program is limited to one award per student as required by § 16-107-6(a)(7).
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 302, art. 3, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 231, art. 10, § 6, effective June 27, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-107 - Rhode Island Promise Scholarship › Section 16-107-7. - Reporting and disbursement.

§ 16-107-7. Reporting and disbursement.
(a)
On or before November 10 and May 10 of each fiscal year following fiscal year 2017, the community college of Rhode Island shall submit a report to the director of the office of management and budget, the state budget officer, the house fiscal advisor, the senate fiscal advisor, the commissioner of postsecondary education, and the chair of the council on postsecondary education detailing the number of students eligible to participate in the scholarship program, the amount of federal and institutional financial aid anticipated to be received by recipient students, the aggregate tuition and mandatory fee costs attributable to recipient students, and the resulting total cost of the scholarship program to the state. The report shall contain such data for both the current fiscal year and the most up-to-date forecast for the following fiscal year. Data reported shall be subdivided by student-year cohort and shall be accompanied by a written explanation detailing the estimating methodology utilized and any impact(s) the forecasted data may present to institutional capacity, operational costs, and the tuition/fee revenue base of the institution.
(b)
On or before July 1, 2020, the community college of Rhode Island and the commissioner of postsecondary education shall submit a report evaluating the program based on the first two cohorts to the governor, speaker of the house, and the president of the senate. This evaluation shall include the following:
(1)
The number of students who started in each cohort;
(2)
The number of students in each cohort who have attained a degree or certification in an on-time manner;
(3)
The number of students in each cohort who have not attained a degree or certification in an on-time manner and an analysis of why that has happened;
(4)
The number of students in each cohort who began the program but have been unable to continue or complete the program and an analysis of why that has happened;
(5)
The costs of the program and the costs of continuing the program;
(6)
Suggestions for ways to increase the success of the program;
(7)
Recommendations as to modifying, continuing, expanding, curtailing, or discontinuing the program; and
(8)
Any such other recommendations or information as the community college of Rhode Island and the commissioner of postsecondary education deem appropriate to include in the evaluation.
(c)
The office of management and budget, in consultation with the office of the postsecondary commissioner, shall oversee the apportionment and disbursement of all funds appropriated for the purpose of the scholarship program.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 302, art. 3, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-107 - Rhode Island Promise Scholarship › Section 16-107-8. - Rules and procedures.

§ 16-107-8. Rules and procedures.
The council on postsecondary education is hereby authorized to promulgate rules to effectuate the purposes of this chapter and the community college of Rhode Island shall establish appeal procedures for the award, denial, or revocation of funding under the scholarship program. The rules shall be promulgated in accordance with § 16-59-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 302, art. 3, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-108 - All Students Count Act › Section 16-108-1. - Short title.

§ 16-108-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “All Students Count Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 102, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 108, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-108 - All Students Count Act › Section 16-108-2. - Definitions.

§ 16-108-2. Definitions.
The following words and phrases, as used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings:
(1)
“Entity” means the Rhode Island department of elementary and secondary education, its subagencies and state agency(s) and local municipalities from which it collects demographic data.
(2)
“Southeast Asian” means individuals who identify with one or more ethnic groups originating from the countries in the Southeast Asian region, including Cambodia, the Philippines, Laos, Vietnam, and other Southeast Asian countries.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 102, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 108, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-108 - All Students Count Act › Section 16-108-3. - Data transparency.

§ 16-108-3. Data transparency.
(a)
Whenever the department of elementary and secondary education collects demographic data as to the ancestry or ethnic origins of students for a report that includes educational proficiencies, graduation rates, attendance rates, and access to educational resources, the entity shall use separate collection categories and tabulations in accordance with the following:
(1)
No later than twelve (12) months after a decennial United States Census is released to the public, each entity shall use the collection and tabulation categories for the Asian population groups as they are reported by the United States Census Bureau as well as people with disabilities and English language learners.
(2)
The categories used by each entity for Asian population, to the extent not already required pursuant to this section, shall always include, but not be limited to, the following Asian ethnic groups:
(i)
Cambodian, Filipino, Hmong, Laotian, Vietnamese, and other Southeast Asian ethnic groups.
(3)
Until the release of the next decennial United States Census following the enactment of this chapter, each entity shall use the enhanced data collection and tabulation categories that the entity was previously required to use.
(4)
Each entity shall comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. § 1232g, 34 C.F.R. Part 99) and shall observe criteria for ensuring statistical significance of data collected and published.
(i)
Districts reporting data with a student group that has too few students, as defined by a minimum size of ten (10), for evaluation must be notated.
(5)
Each entity shall cross tabulate data of student outcome by gender, disability, and English proficiency for all students.
(6)
Each entity shall make the demographic data publicly available, except for personal identifying information, which shall be deemed confidential, by posting the data on the applicable entity’s website by July 1, 2018, and shall update the data annually thereafter. This subsection shall not be construed to prevent any other state agency from posting data collected on the state agency’s website, in a matter prescribed by this section.
(b)
This chapter shall only apply to the collection of data for students in the public elementary and secondary education system. It does not apply to the demographic data of students participating in postsecondary education.
(c)
If the state determines that this chapter contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 102, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 108, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-109 - Student Journalists’ Freedom of Expression Act › Section 16-109-1. - Short title.

§ 16-109-1. Short title.
This act shall be known and may be cited as the “Student Journalists’ Freedom of Expression Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 229, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 318, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-109 - Student Journalists’ Freedom of Expression Act › Section 16-109-2. - Definitions.

§ 16-109-2. Definitions.
As used in this section:
(1)
“School-sponsored media” means any material that is prepared, substantially written, published, or broadcast by a student journalist at an institution under the supervision of the council on elementary and secondary education and the council on postsecondary education, both public and private, distributed, or generally made available to members of the student body, and prepared under the direction of a student media advisor. School-sponsored media does not include content intended for distribution or transmission only in the classroom in which it is produced.
(2)
“Student journalist” means a student of an institution under the supervision of the council on elementary and secondary education and the council on postsecondary education, both public and private, who gathers, compiles, writes, edits, photographs, records, or prepares information for dissemination in school-sponsored media.
(3)
“Student media advisor” means an individual employed, appointed, or designated by an institution under the supervision of the council on elementary and secondary education and the council on postsecondary education, both public and private, to supervise or provide instruction relating to school-sponsored media.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 229, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 318, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-110 - African American History Education in Elementary and Secondary School › Section 16-110-2. - Definitions.

§ 16-110-2. Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter, the following words shall have the following meanings:
(1)
“African Diaspora” means the term commonly used to describe the mass dispersion of peoples from Africa during the Transatlantic Slave Trades, from the 1500s to the 1800s.
(2)
“African Heritage” means any one people with racial, ethnic, and cultural ties to the African Diaspora.
(3)
“African Heritage People” means the people that can be seen in our many state residents of African, white, bi-racial, Latino, Cape Verdean, Caribbean, and Native backgrounds.
(4)
“Transatlantic Slave Trade” means the forced transportation by European slave traders of various enslaved African people, mainly to the Americas. Current estimates are that about twelve million (12,000,000) to twelve million eight hundred thousand (12,800,000) Africans were shipped across the Atlantic over a span of four hundred (400) years.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 288, § 1, effective July 9, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 289, § 1, effective July 9, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-110 - African American History Education in Elementary and Secondary School › Section 16-110-3. - Powers and duties.

§ 16-110-3. Powers and duties.
The state shall adhere to the following procedures:
(1)
The department of education shall collect and disseminate to every school district, private school, mayoral academy, and charter school, and make available currently on its website at https://www.ride.ri.gov/InstructionAssessment/CivicsSocialStudies/ResourcesonAfricanAmericanHistory.aspx the curriculum materials and other materials as may assist local and regional school committees, and governing bodies of any private school, mayoral academy, or charter school, in developing instructional programs pursuant to this section, materials on African Heritage and History.
(2)
Every school district shall include in its curriculum a unit of instruction on African Heritage and History utilizing, but not being limited to, the materials collected and disseminated by the department of education, commencing with the 2022-2023 school year. Nothing herein shall require school districts to require African Heritage History instruction in every year, but that African Heritage education and instruction shall be utilized during appropriate times in the elementary and secondary school curricula, as determined by the local authority. All students should have received instruction on African Heritage and History materials by the time they have graduated from high school.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 288, § 1, effective July 9, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 289, § 1, effective July 9, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-111 - School Waste Recycling and Refuse Disposal › Section 16-111-1. - Definitions.

§ 16-111-1. Definitions.
As used in this chapter.
(1)
“Educational entity” or “educational entities” means all Rhode Island school districts, including a single school district, regional school district, multiple school districts, any public or private school grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12), any charter public school, or any career and technical high school.
(2)
“Waste audit” means an analysis of a facility’s waste stream. The audit can identify what types of recyclable materials and waste a facility generates; how much of each category is recovered for recycling or discarded; and what materials can be composted.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 344, § 1, effective September 1, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 345, § 1, effective September 1, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-111 - School Waste Recycling and Refuse Disposal › Section 16-111-2. - Waste audit/report.

§ 16-111-2. Waste audit/report.
(a)
On or after January 1, 2022, and every three (3) years thereafter, every educational entity shall coordinate and cooperate with the Rhode Island resource recovery corporation (RIRRC) for the purpose of conducting school waste audits. These audits shall produce waste management reports that shall be collected, maintained, and delivered to the educational entity. The waste audits shall be performed at every educational entity.
(b)
Waste audits and any reports required herein shall include guidelines and strategies on reducing waste for each educational entity to incorporate into its food waste reduction and recycling programs in an effort to eliminate food waste, promote recycling, and provide food to local communities.
(c)
Educational entities, using the guidelines and strategies pursuant to subsection (b), shall design and implement a waste collection system in accordance with applicable state law for the diversion of items including, but not limited to, paper, books, furniture, computers, office supplies, plastic, glass, cardboard, and surplus foods.
(d)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any waste audit conducted pursuant to this section shall be provided free of charge by the RIRRC.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 344, § 1, effective September 1, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 345, § 1, effective September 1, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-111 - School Waste Recycling and Refuse Disposal › Section 16-111-3. - Food service and refuse disposal.

§ 16-111-3. Food service and refuse disposal.
It shall be the policy of the state, the department of education, and any educational entity to require that any request for proposal (RFP) to select a food service company (vendor) to provide food services to an educational entity shall include, as part of its proposal, assurances that the vendor is in compliance with all laws relative to recycling and composting pursuant to chapter 18.9 of title 23; provided that, food waste is separated for diversion within that educational entity.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 344, § 1, effective September 1, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 345, § 1, effective September 1, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-111 - School Waste Recycling and Refuse Disposal › Section 16-111-4. - Food service — Local sources preferred.

§ 16-111-4. Food service — Local sources preferred.
It shall be the policy of the state, the department of education, and any educational entity to encourage that any request for proposal (RFP) to a food service company (vendor) to provide food services to an educational entity encourage the use of a vendor that purchases ten percent (10%) of the required food service product from a Rhode Island-based food service company. In addition, it shall also be the policy of the state, the department of education, and any educational entity, to encourage the use of vendors who recycle organic-waste materials at an authorized composting facility, an anaerobic digestion facility, or by another authorized recycling method, regardless of whether the entity purchasing the services is or is not an educational entity, or a covered entity or a covered educational institution pursuant to the provisions of § 23-18.9-7.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 344, § 1, effective September 1, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 345, § 1, effective September 1, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-111 - School Waste Recycling and Refuse Disposal › Section 16-111-5. - Food donations by food service companies.

§ 16-111-5. Food donations by food service companies.
(a)
It shall be the policy of the state, the department of education, and any educational entity to require that any request for proposal (RFP) to select a food service company (vendor) to provide food services to an educational entity shall require the vendor to donate any unserved nonperishable or unspoiled perishable food to local food banks or the Rhode Island Food Bank in accordance with the recommendations from the Rhode Island department of health “The Road to End Hunger” initiative.
(b)
Vendors required to donate nonperishable and unspoiled perishable food to local food banks or the Rhode Island Food Bank shall initially make arrangements for the provision accommodations necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.
(c)
Except for injury resulting from gross negligence or intentional misconduct in the preparation or handling of donated food, no educational entity, person, or vendor who or that donates food that is fit for human consumption at the time it was donated, as required by subsection (a), shall be liable for any damage or injury resulting from the consumption of the donated food.
(d)
The immunity from civil liability provided by this section applies regardless of compliance with any laws, regulations, or ordinances regulating the packaging or labeling of food, and regardless of compliance with any laws, regulations, or ordinances regulating the storage or handling of the food by the donee after the donation of the food. The donation of nonperishable food that is fit for human consumption but that has exceeded the labeled shelf life date recommended by the manufacturer is protected pursuant to this section. The donation of perishable food that is fit for human consumption but that has exceeded the labeled shelf life date recommended by the manufacturer is protected pursuant to this section if the person who distributes the food to the end recipient makes a good faith evaluation that the food to be donated is wholesome.
(e)
The local food bank or Rhode Island Food Bank that, in good faith, receives and distributes food without charge, pursuant to subsection (a), that is fit for human consumption at the time it was distributed is not liable for any injury or death due to the food unless the injury or death is a direct result of the gross negligence or intentional misconduct of the organization.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 344, § 1, effective September 1, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 345, § 1, effective September 1, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-111 - School Waste Recycling and Refuse Disposal › Section 16-111-6. - Expiration dates.

§ 16-111-6. Expiration dates.
An educational entity, person, or vendor who or that donates food as permitted by law shall not be subject to civil or criminal liability or penalty for any violation of any laws, regulations, or ordinances regulating the labeling or packaging of the donated product or, with respect to any other laws, regulations, or ordinances, for a violation occurring after the time of donation. The donation of nonperishable food that is fit for human consumption but that has exceeded the labeled shelf life date recommended by the manufacturer is protected, pursuant to this section, if the entity, person, or vendor who or that distributes the food to the end recipient makes a good faith evaluation that the food to be donated is wholesome.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 344, § 1, effective September 1, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 345, § 1, effective September 1, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-111 - School Waste Recycling and Refuse Disposal › Section 16-111-7. - Rules and regulations.

§ 16-111-7. Rules and regulations.
The commissioner is hereby authorized to promulgate whatever rules and regulations may be required to implement this chapter and shall annually provide notice to all educational entities of the department’s school waste disposal and refuse disposal policies.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 344, § 1, effective September 1, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 345, § 1, effective September 1, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-112 - Apprenticeship Pathways to Earning a Bachelor’s Degree Act › Section 16-112-1. - Short title.

§ 16-112-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Apprenticeship Pathways to Earning a Bachelor’s Degree Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2023, ch. 212, § 1, effective June 21, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 213, § 1, effective June 21, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-112 - Apprenticeship Pathways to Earning a Bachelor’s Degree Act › Section 16-112-2. - Definitions.

§ 16-112-2. Definitions.
As used in this section:
(1)
“Apprenticeship” means an apprenticeship program that meets the standards established in the National Apprenticeship Act, 29 C.F.R. Part 29, and that is registered with the department of labor and training.
(2)
“Board” means the board of education.
History of Section.
P.L. 2023, ch. 212, § 1, effective June 21, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 213, § 1, effective June 21, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-112 - Apprenticeship Pathways to Earning a Bachelor’s Degree Act › Section 16-112-3. - Implementation.

§ 16-112-3. Implementation.
(a)
By January 1, 2024, each state public higher education institution shall adopt policies establishing nontraditional pathways to earning a bachelor’s degree at the state’s public higher education institutions through the inclusion of credits earned through apprenticeships, as further provided in subsection (e) of this section.
(b)
The policies adopted by each higher education institution shall be subject to review and approval of the board of education. The board shall reject or modify any policies that are unduly burdensome for students seeking the apprenticeship pathway to earning a bachelor’s degree. This review shall be completed by April 1, 2024.
(c)
In addition, the board of education shall adopt policies to uniformly address the following:
(1)
The form and manner in which registered apprenticeships may be determined to be eligible for inclusion in a nontraditional pathway to earning a bachelor’s degree, including through public-private partnerships or an application process.
(d)
No later than September 1, 2024, the board shall convene a workgroup, including, but not limited to, representatives from the department of labor and training, the office of the postsecondary commissioner, public higher education institutions, the state apprenticeship council, and the construction trades. The purpose of the workgroup is to advise the board regarding the implementation of nontraditional pathways to earning a bachelor’s degree, including assisting with the review pursuant to subsection (b) of this section and with the development of the plan required by § 16-112-4.
(e)
The policies that shall be adopted by each public higher education institution shall include, but not be limited to:
(1)
The process by which a student may request academic credit for registered apprenticeship coursework and experience;
(2)
The number of credits a student may earn through coursework and experience hours in a registered apprenticeship;
(3)
The development of clear guidelines distinguishing credit-bearing and non-credit-bearing apprenticeship coursework including, but not limited to, standardizing the process of assigning credit to apprenticeship coursework; and
(4)
Guidelines to determine degree majors towards which credits for apprenticeships may be earned, including giving priority to majors that have both a low completion rate and a hiring need by employers existing in the state.
(f)
The policies of the public higher education institutions adopted pursuant to this section shall become effective beginning August 1, 2024.
History of Section.
P.L. 2023, ch. 212, § 1, effective June 21, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 213, § 1, effective June 21, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-112 - Apprenticeship Pathways to Earning a Bachelor’s Degree Act › Section 16-112-4. - Reporting.

§ 16-112-4. Reporting.
No later than August 1, 2025, the board shall provide the governor, the president of the senate, and the speaker of the house of representatives a plan for increasing the number of students who earn credit towards and/or complete bachelor’s degrees from a Rhode Island public institution of higher education through a registered apprenticeship. The board may create additional reporting requirements to focus on data collection for the purposes of program progress, goals, and participation.
History of Section.
P.L. 2023, ch. 212, § 1, effective June 21, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 213, § 1, effective June 21, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-113 - Rhode Island Hope Scholarship Pilot Program Act › Section 16-113-1. - Short title.

§ 16-113-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Rhode Island Hope Scholarship Pilot Program Act”.
History of Section.
P.L. 2023, ch. 79, art. 8, § 5, effective June 16, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 337, § 1, effective June 24, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 396, § 1, effective June 24, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-113 - Rhode Island Hope Scholarship Pilot Program Act › Section 16-113-2. - Legislative findings and purpose.

§ 16-113-2. Legislative findings and purpose.
(a)
The general assembly finds and declares that:
(1)
Education is critical for the state’s young people to achieve their aspirations and develop their talents;
(2)
The state’s economic success depends on a highly educated and skilled workforce;
(3)
The state’s future prosperity depends upon its ability to make educational opportunities beyond high school available for all students;
(4)
The coronavirus has inflicted undue hardships on students and their families, creating barriers to a four-year (4) college degree;
(5)
A merit-based tuition reduction program will help make a four-year (4) college degree available to all students;
(6)
Rhode Island college offers students a feasible opportunity to obtain a four-year (4) degree, but remains an underutilized resource in the state; and
(7)
The state of Rhode Island’s motto is “Hope”.
(b)
In order to address the findings set forth in subsection (a) of this section, the purpose of this chapter is to increase the number of students enrolling in and completing four-year (4) degrees and certificates on time from Rhode Island college, and to promote more graduates in high-need fields such as nursing, pre-K through grade twelve (12) education, and the trades, which are fields for which Rhode Island college provides a strong and affordable education.
(c)
The purpose of the pilot program is also to determine whether a scholarship program for Rhode Island college that is modeled on the promise scholarship program established in chapter 107 of this title would be successful in attaining the goals set forth in this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 2023, ch. 79, art. 8, § 5, effective June 16, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 337, § 1, effective June 24, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 396, § 1, effective June 24, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-113 - Rhode Island Hope Scholarship Pilot Program Act › Section 16-113-3. - Establishment of scholarship program.

§ 16-113-3. Establishment of scholarship program.
There is hereby established the Rhode Island hope scholarship pilot program. The general assembly shall annually appropriate the funds necessary to implement the purposes of this chapter for the periods of the pilot program. Additional funds beyond the scholarships may be appropriated to support and advance the Rhode Island hope scholarship pilot program. In addition to appropriation by the general assembly, charitable donations may be accepted into the scholarship program.
History of Section.
P.L. 2023, ch. 79, art. 8, § 5, effective June 16, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 337, § 1, effective June 24, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 396, § 1, effective June 24, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-113 - Rhode Island Hope Scholarship Pilot Program Act › Section 16-113-5. - Administration of scholarship program.

§ 16-113-5. Administration of scholarship program.
(a)
The financial aid office at Rhode Island college, in conjunction with the admissions office or their respective equivalent offices at Rhode Island college, shall administer the scholarship program for state residents seeking bachelor’s degrees and/or certificates who meet the eligibility requirements in this chapter.
(b)
An award of the scholarship program shall cover the cost of up to two (2) years of tuition and mandatory fees, for the junior and senior years of the student, or in the case of an adult student, who has attained at least sixty (60) credit hours, then the award may cover tuition and mandatory fees over a duration of not more than two (2) years. In all instances, these awards shall be reduced by the amount of federal and all other financial aid monies available to the recipient student. None of any grants received by students from the department of children, youth and families’ higher education opportunity incentive grant as established by chapter 72.8 of title 42 or the college crusade scholarship act as established in chapter 70 of this title shall be considered federal or financial aid for the purposes of this chapter.
(c)
The scholarship program is limited to one award per student as required by § 16-113-6(a)(7); provided that, the award may cover the two (2) years that constitute the junior and senior years of the student, or the two (2) years for an adult student, and may be dispersed in separate installments.
History of Section.
P.L. 2023, ch. 79, art. 8, § 5, effective June 16, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 337, § 1, effective June 24, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 396, § 1, effective June 24, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-113 - Rhode Island Hope Scholarship Pilot Program Act › Section 16-113-7. - Reporting and disbursement.

§ 16-113-7. Reporting and disbursement.
(a)
On or before November 10, 2023, and on or before November 10 thereafter for every year through and including calendar year 2028, Rhode Island college shall submit a report to the director of the office of management and budget, the state budget officer, the house fiscal advisor, the senate fiscal advisor, the commissioner of postsecondary education, and the chair of the council on postsecondary education, detailing the following:
(1)
The number of students eligible to participate in the scholarship program;
(2)
The amount of federal and institutional financial aid anticipated to be received by recipient students;
(3)
The aggregate tuition and mandatory fee costs attributable to recipient students;
(4)
The resulting total cost of the scholarship program to the state; and
(5)
The report shall contain such data for both the current fiscal year and the most up-to-date forecast for the following fiscal year. Data reported shall be subdivided by student-year cohort and shall be accompanied by a written explanation detailing the estimating methodology utilized and any impact(s) the forecasted data may present to institutional capacity, operational costs, and the tuition/fee revenue base of the institution.
(b)
On or before July 1, 2024, and on or before July 1 thereafter for every year through and including calendar year 2028, Rhode Island college, in conjunction with the office of the postsecondary commissioner, shall submit a report evaluating the program to the governor, speaker of the house, and the president of the senate. This evaluation shall include the following:
(1)
The number of students who started in each cohort;
(2)
The number of students in each cohort who have attained a degree or certification in an on-time manner;
(3)
The number of students in each cohort who have not attained a degree or certification in an on-time manner and an analysis of why that has happened;
(4)
The number of students in each cohort who began the program but have been unable to continue or complete the program and an analysis of why that has happened;
(5)
The costs of the program and the costs of continuing the program;
(6)
Suggestions for ways to increase the success of the program;
(7)
Recommendations as to modifying, continuing, expanding, curtailing, or discontinuing the program; and
(8)
Any such other recommendations or information as Rhode Island college and the commissioner of postsecondary education deem appropriate to include in the evaluation.
(c)
The office of management and budget, in consultation with the office of the postsecondary commissioner, shall oversee the apportionment and disbursement of all funds appropriated for the purpose of the scholarship program.
History of Section.
P.L. 2023, ch. 79, art. 8, § 5, effective June 16, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 337, § 1, effective June 24, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 396, § 1, effective June 24, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-113 - Rhode Island Hope Scholarship Pilot Program Act › Section 16-113-8. - Rules, regulations, and procedures.

§ 16-113-8. Rules, regulations, and procedures.
The council on postsecondary education is hereby authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of this chapter, including, but not limited to, the residency policy, and Rhode Island college shall establish appeal procedures for the award, denial, or revocation of funding under the scholarship program. The rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with § 16-59-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 2023, ch. 79, art. 8, § 5, effective June 16, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 337, § 1, effective June 24, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 396, § 1, effective June 24, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-113 - Rhode Island Hope Scholarship Pilot Program Act › Section 16-113-9. - Applicability to current students.

§ 16-113-9. Applicability to current students.
Currently enrolled students at Rhode Island college who have attained junior status as of July 1, 2023, or July 1, 2024, and who otherwise meet the requirements of this chapter, shall be eligible for a hope scholarship under this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2023, ch. 79, art. 8, § 5, effective June 16, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 337, § 1, effective June 24, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 396, § 1, effective June 24, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-113 - Rhode Island Hope Scholarship Pilot Program Act › Section 16-113-10. - Funding of and sunset of pilot program.

§ 16-113-10. Funding of and sunset of pilot program.
The Rhode Island hope scholarship pilot program shall be funded from July 1, 2023, through and including July 1, 2028. There shall be no further funding of the pilot program without further action of the general assembly. Any final reports due pursuant to this chapter shall be filed pursuant to the dates set forth herein.
History of Section.
P.L. 2023, ch. 79, art. 8, § 5, effective June 16, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 337, § 1, effective June 24, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 396, § 1, effective June 24, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-1 - General Provisions › Section 17-1-1. - Short title.

§ 17-1-1. Short title.
This title shall be known and may be cited as the “Election Law”.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 17-1-1; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-1 - General Provisions › Section 17-1-2.1. - Signature identification.

§ 17-1-2.1. Signature identification.
For the purpose of assisting registrars and other persons in identifying a voter’s signature, whenever in this title and whenever under any home rule charter enacted pursuant to article XIII, § 1 of the Constitution of the state of Rhode Island a voter’s signature is required, space shall be provided and so labeled for the voter to print his or her legal name. However, failure of the voter to print his or her name shall not invalidate the signature if otherwise legible. This section shall not apply to the original voter’s registration form and other forms where the name of the voter is typed and/or printed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 6, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 14; P.L. 1994, ch. 171, § 1.