Bill
Bill > H7909
RI H7909
RI H7909Redefines dyslexia to mean a specific learning disability characterized by difficulties in word reading and/or spelling that involve accuracy, speed, or both and vary depending on the orthography.
summary
Introduced
02/27/2026
02/27/2026
In Committee
04/02/2026
04/02/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This act would redefine dyslexia to mean a specific learning disability characterized by difficulties in word reading and/or spelling that involve accuracy, speed, or both and vary depending on the orthography. This act would take effect upon passage.
AI Summary
This bill redefines dyslexia to mean a specific learning disability characterized by difficulties in accurately reading or spelling words, affecting either the speed or accuracy of reading and spelling, or both, and these difficulties can differ based on the language's writing system, known as orthography. The bill also clarifies that these challenges persist even with effective instruction and can stem from a complex interplay of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors, often involving underlying issues with processing sounds and word parts, and can lead to broader academic and even personal consequences. This change to the definition of dyslexia is part of the Rhode Island Literacy and Dropout Prevention Act and will take effect immediately upon its passage.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (10)
Bill O'Brien (D)*,
Karen Alzate (D),
Jackie Baginski (D),
Nathan Biah (D),
Matthew Dawson (D),
Jenni Azanero Furtado (D),
Pat Serpa (D),
Mary Ann Shallcross-Smith (D),
Joseph Solomon (D),
Brandon Voas (D),
Last Action
Placed on House Calendar (04/09/2026) (on 04/03/2026)
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/BillText26/HouseText26/H7909.pdf |
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