This bill validates and ratifies amendments to the Home Rule Charter of the town of Coventry that were approved by the town's electors on November 8, 2022. The bill confirms that the General Assembly intends to give effect to these amendments and ratifies and enacts the provisions that require ratification. The bill also clarifies that it does not abrogate or impair the powers granted to towns by the home rule amendment and other applicable laws of Rhode Island or the rights retained by Coventry in its home rule charter.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 16-2-5 of the General Laws to change the composition and terms of city or town school committees. It specifies that the school committee of each city or town shall consist of three residents, or any number that currently constitutes the committee. The committee will be divided into three classes with terms of three years in cities or towns with annual elections, or two classes with terms of four years in cities or towns with biennial elections. Vacancies on the committee will be filled by the city or town at its regular meeting for the election of state or city or town officers, or by the city or town council. This amendment does not apply to the cities of Providence, Central Falls, Woonsocket, or the towns of Coventry and North Smithfield. The bill will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
6424: 16-2-5