The bill amends Sections 16-59-4 and 16-59-6 of the General Laws in Rhode Island, enhancing the powers and responsibilities of the Council on Postsecondary Education. Key provisions include the council's new duty to review and approve a strategic plan for public higher education, which will be developed by the commissioner of postsecondary education. The strategic plan must be aligned with the goals of the Board of Education's strategic plan, developed with input from the governing bodies of public institutions, and reviewed at least once every three years. It will also include proposals for addressing the state's economic development, workforce development, and research needs, ensuring increased degree production, and consolidating services for improved efficiency.

The commissioner of postsecondary education, appointed by the council, will act as the chief executive officer and is responsible for preparing the strategic plan, making annual funding recommendations to public institutions, and consulting with these institutions to develop policies for the equitable distribution of public funds. The funding recommendations will include proposals for implementing the strategic plan and will be provided to the General Assembly, the governor, and the council on an annual basis.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that an associate of science or associate of arts degree from the Community College of Rhode Island will be deemed to have met all general education and core requirements for transfer to a Rhode Island public institution of higher learning as a junior. It also requires 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.