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4/15/2025
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Rep. O’Brien’s bill would keep public money at public institutions for dual education enrollment
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STATE HOUSE – Rep. William W. O’Brien has introduced legislation (2025-H 6058) that would clarify that only public institutions of higher education are eligible to participate in the state’s dual enrollment education program. The program allows students to enroll at a college or university as non-degree students at no cost to the student, and have the courses be recognized toward degree completion at both the college and high school level.
The legislation would amend references in the Dual Enrollment Equal Opportunity Act by using the phrase “public higher education institution” to clarify the act’s applicability to a state community college, college or university.
“The dual enrollment program has been a tremendous success, like with North Providence’s P-Tech program, and it has allowed students to earn a degree or college credits at no cost while in high school, saving themselves and their families much-needed dollars in the process. But it’s also imperative that we use the tax dollars that fund this program appropriately as was the original intent of this legislation, and for that reason, this bill makes it clear that public dollars should stay with public institutions,” said Representative O’Brien (D-Dist. 54, North Providence).
“On behalf of all students in North Providence, many of whom utilize these programs to ensure that college is accessible, I commend Representative O’Brien for introducing this legislation to protect these valuable opportunities for Rhode Island families, and I urge the Rhode Island General Assembly to give this bill serious consideration so that we as a state can ensure that more of our students are able to pursue higher education after high school,” said North Providence School Superintendent Joseph Goho.
Representative O’Brien’s bill was heard by the House Education Committee on April 10, and the legislation was held for further study.
“When I first introduced the dual enrollment legislation, it was for the purpose of uplifting our public high school and college students. Private institutions like Brown University do not need the public funding that comes with this program, and some of our private institutions are trying to manipulate the program to their own benefit. I will not allow these private colleges and universities to pad their bottom line at the expense of North Providence’s taxpayers and that is why this legislation is necessary,” added Representative O’Brien.
Sen. John P. Burke (D-Dist. 9, West Warwick) has introduced the legislation (2025-S 0889) in the Senate.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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