The bill amends the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship program to include new definitions and eligibility criteria for students seeking financial aid for accredited certificates or associate degrees at the Community College of Rhode Island. Key insertions include the definition of "mandatory fees and tuition," which clarifies that these costs do not cover room and board or other specific fees, and the term "on track to graduate on time," which establishes expectations for timely graduation. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for students with disabilities, allowing them to access the scholarship program with reasonable accommodations, such as part-time enrollment and extended time for degree completion.

Furthermore, the bill expands eligibility criteria by allowing students who have enrolled in a postsecondary institution for only one semester to qualify for the scholarship if they subsequently enroll at the Community College of Rhode Island. It also permits students to defer their initial enrollment for one semester with an approved request. The legislation aims to enhance access to higher education for a broader range of students, particularly those in workforce-ready certificate programs, thereby promoting educational attainment and workforce readiness in Rhode Island. The act will take effect upon passage.