Legislature status:
Adjourned; bills carry over to next session.
Existing Programs:
Tax Credits for Contributions to Scholarship Organizations (2006)
Gives tax credits to corporations who donate to organizations that give private-school scholarships to low-income children. The program is capped at $1 million.
Pending Legislation
House Bill 6131
“Parental Choice Scholarship Act”
Gives vouchers to low- and middle-income students to attend private school. The bill was introduced on May 16, 2013 by Speaker Temporare Elaine Coderre, D-Pawtucket, and is being held in committee for further study.
Summary:
Rhode Island could potentially pass HB 6131, which is heavily supported by Catholic and other faith-based organizations in Rhode Island. The legislature is currently controlled by Democrats. Governor Lincoln Chafee has not made his stance on private school choice known recently, but he supported school vouchers when he was a U.S. senator.
Get more information on the ALEC education bill introduced in Rhode Island in 2013:
The Special Needs Scholarship Program Act (H6131)
Click on a state for a more in-depth description of what's happening in the state.
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