The bill amends Section 16-59-9.3 of the General Laws concerning the Council on Postsecondary Education, introducing the "Student Success Act." It establishes that any student who meets the following requirements shall be exempt from paying nonresident tuition at Rhode Island public universities, colleges, or community colleges: the student must have attended an approved Rhode Island high school for at least two consecutive years, continue to reside in Rhode Island, and have either graduated from an approved high school or received a high school equivalency diploma from the State of Rhode Island. Additionally, these students must file, or will file upon matriculation, the appropriate exemption request with the Rhode Island public university, college, or community college of expected attendance.

The bill removes previous language that required students to disclose their immigration status and clarifies that the Rhode Island Council for Postsecondary Education will establish necessary rules and regulations for implementation. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
2650: 16-59-9.3
2650  as amended: 16-59-9.3