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. It introduces new duties for the council, including the review and approval of a strategic plan for public higher education, which will be prepared by the commissioner of postsecondary education. The strategic plan must align with the goals of the Board of Education's strategic plan and include input from the governing bodies of the state's public institutions of higher learning. The plan will emphasize accountability for increasing educational attainment levels and will be reviewed at least once every three years.

The bill also outlines specific responsibilities for the commissioner of postsecondary education, including making funding recommendations to public institutions, consulting with these institutions to develop policies for the equitable distribution of public funds, and ensuring that these policies result in an outcomes-based model. Additionally, the commissioner will be responsible for ensuring that an associate degree from the Community College of Rhode Island meets all general education and core requirements for transfer to a public institution as a junior. The commissioner will also provide clear guidance for community college students on curricular paths to baccalaureate degrees.

The provisions of this bill are set to be fully implemented by the beginning of the 2027-2028 academic year, with the commissioner required to report annually to the Senate President and the Speaker of the House regarding the implementation progress, starting in the 2026-2027 academic year.