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 specific criteria will be exempt from paying nonresident tuition at Rhode Island public universities, colleges, or community colleges. The requirements include attending an approved Rhode Island high school for at least two consecutive years, continuing to reside in Rhode Island, graduating from an approved high school or obtaining a high school equivalency diploma, and filing the appropriate exemption request upon matriculation.

The bill removes the previous stipulation that nonimmigrant aliens were excluded from this exemption and modifies the duration of required high school attendance from three years to two. It also clarifies that the student must meet the requirements of subsections (1)(i) through (1)(iii) of this section.

Additionally, the bill ensures that identifiable student information obtained under this section remains confidential, in accordance with state and federal laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The Rhode Island Council for Postsecondary Education is tasked with establishing necessary rules and regulations for implementing this section. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
8252: 16-59-9.3
8252  as amended: 16-59-9.3