The resolution establishes a special legislative commission tasked with studying and evaluating the educational outcomes for children in state care, particularly those in the custody of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. This initiative aligns with the Rhode Island General Assembly's constitutional duty to promote public education and ensure that all children, especially those in state care, receive adequate educational opportunities. The commission will consist of fourteen members, including representatives from the House of Representatives, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, the Department of Education, and various educational and advocacy professionals, as well as individuals with personal experience in the foster care system.
The commission's primary goal is to make actionable recommendations aimed at improving educational outcomes for children in temporary, permanent, or joint custody, with a focus on those in alternative family settings or foster care. The commission is required to report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by April 16, 2026, and will dissolve on May 28, 2026. Members of the commission will serve without compensation, and state agencies are expected to provide necessary support and information to facilitate the commission's work.