The bill amends Sections 16-59-4 and 16-59-6 of the General Laws in Rhode Island, enhancing the responsibilities of the Council on Postsecondary Education. It introduces new duties for the council, including reviewing and approving a strategic plan for public higher education prepared by the commissioner of postsecondary education, which must align with the goals of the Board of Education's strategic plan and provide for equitable distribution of public funds. The council is also tasked with ensuring that any adopted policies and goals utilize an outcomes-based model emphasizing various educational outcomes.

The bill outlines specific responsibilities for the commissioner of postsecondary education, including preparing a strategic plan that directs public higher education to be accountable for increasing educational attainment levels, consulting with public institutions to develop equitable funding policies, and making annual funding recommendations to the General Assembly, the governor, and the council. The strategic plan must be reviewed and revised at least once every three years and include proposals addressing the state's economic development, workforce needs, and degree production.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that an associate of science or associate of arts degree from the Community College of Rhode Island will satisfy all general education and core requirements for transfer to a Rhode Island public institution as a junior, while maintaining competitive admission standards for specific programs. It also mandates that community college students receive clear information regarding curricular paths to baccalaureate degrees. The provisions of this section must be fully implemented by the beginning of the 2027-2028 academic year, with annual progress reports to the Senate President and the Speaker of the House regarding implementation.