The bill amends Section 16-59-9.3 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-59, introducing the "Student Success Act." It establishes that any student who meets the following criteria 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 one year, 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, the student 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 regarding nonimmigrant alien students and their eligibility for in-state tuition, streamlining the requirements for tuition exemption. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
8252: 16-59-9.3