The bill amends Section 16-59-9.3 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-59, titled "Council on Postsecondary Education," to establish the Student Success Act. The act modifies the eligibility criteria for students, other than nonimmigrant aliens, to be exempt from paying nonresident tuition at Rhode Island public universities, colleges, or community colleges. The new criteria reduce the required attendance at an approved Rhode Island high school from three consecutive years to at least one academic school year. Additionally, students must continue to reside in Rhode Island, have graduated from an approved Rhode Island high school or received a high school equivalency diploma, and file an affidavit upon matriculation stating they meet the residency requirements and, if applicable, have filed or will file an application for lawful immigration status.

The bill also changes the eligibility for nonimmigrant foreign national students to pay in-state tuition. Previously, these students had to reside in Rhode Island for three years and attend a Rhode Island high school for the same duration. The bill reduces this requirement to one year of residency and at least one academic school year of high school attendance. It ensures the confidentiality of student information obtained under this section, in accordance with state and federal law, and mandates that students be notified if their immigration status information is shared outside the scope of this act. The Rhode Island council for postsecondary education is tasked with prescribing necessary rules and regulations for the implementation of this section. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2983: 16-59-9.3