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3/31/2026
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Senate approves Leader Ciccone’s legislation to reduce residency requirement for in-state tuition
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STATE HOUSE – The Senate today passed legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Frank A. Ciccone III that would reduce the Rhode Island residency requirement for students to be eligible for in-state tuition.
“Providing all students with access to educational opportunities is critical, and this important legislation will put higher education within reach for more young people in our state – even those who are relatively new to Rhode Island. It’s about fairness, and about providing students with the best possible chance for success as they pursue a better life. It’s an investment in young people who consider Rhode Island their home and want to build a future here. In the years ahead, that investment will provide an outstanding return for our state in terms of a stronger workforce, more prosperous communities, and less need for social services. I am very grateful to my Senate colleagues for their support,” said Leader Ciccone (D-Dist. 7, Providence, Johnston).
The legislation (2026-S 2650) would amend the Student Success Act to reduce the time a student must have been a resident of Rhode Island in order to quality for in-state tuition, from three years to one year. The student must also continue to reside in Rhode Island and have graduated from a Rhode Island high school or received their equivalency diploma from the state.
The bill now heads to the House for consideration, where Rep. Grace Diaz (D-Dist. 11, Providence) has introduced the legislation (2026-H 8252).
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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