Bill
Bill > H6045
RI H6045
RI H6045Mandates public schools (K-12) have one full-time certified social worker for every 250 students and allocates $2 million in the fiscal year 2025 budget for school districts and municipalities to hire additional social workers.
summary
Introduced
03/07/2025
03/07/2025
In Committee
03/07/2025
03/07/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/20/2025
06/20/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This act would require all public schools, in grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12), to have at least one full-time certified school social worker for every two hundred fifty (250) students and provide for an appropriation by the general assembly in the amount of two million dollars ($2,000,000) in the budget for Fiscal Year 2026 to the various school districts and municipalities to employ additional social workers. This act would take effect upon passage.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that all public schools in kindergarten through 12th grade must have at least one full-time certified social worker for every 250 students, with a "social worker" specifically defined as a professional who holds a valid school social work certificate issued by the state department of education. The bill allocates $2 million in the fiscal year 2026 budget to help school districts and municipalities hire additional social workers, effectively supporting increased mental health and support services in K-12 public schools. By establishing a specific staffing ratio and providing dedicated funding, the bill aims to ensure that students have consistent access to professional social work support, which can help address mental health needs, provide counseling, support student well-being, and assist with various social and emotional challenges that students may face during their educational journey.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (10)
Mary Ann Shallcross-Smith (D)*,
Mia Ackerman (D),
Megan Cotter (D),
Deb Fellela (D),
Raymond Hull (D),
Katie Kazarian (D),
David Morales (D),
Brandon Potter (D),
Earl Read (D),
Teresa Tanzi (D),
Last Action
Committee recommended measure be held for further study (on 04/29/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://status.rilegislature.gov/ |
| BillText | https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText25/HouseText25/H6045.pdf |
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