This bill establishes the framework for creating a medical school at the University of Rhode Island and provides an initial appropriation of five million dollars ($5,000,000) from general revenues for fiscal year 2027 to initiate the establishment of the medical school. The funds will be used for operating expenses and salaries related to hiring a founding dean and senior leadership, recruiting core faculty and administrative staff, accreditation preparation and compliance activities, and curriculum planning and institutional development.

The General Assembly intends for the fiscal year 2027 appropriation to represent the first phase of a multi-year state investment in the medical school, with anticipated additional funding of seven million dollars ($7,000,000) in fiscal year 2028 and eight million dollars ($8,000,000) in fiscal year 2029, although future appropriations are not guaranteed. The University of Rhode Island is required to submit a report to the governor and the General Assembly by January 1, 2028, detailing the use of the appropriated funds, progress toward accreditation and institutional readiness, faculty and leadership hiring progress, and a projected timeline and budget for subsequent phases of development. This act will take effect upon passage.