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4/30/2026
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Famiglietti bill would make unused seats in public schools available to other students within district
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STATE HOUSE — Sen. Stefano Famiglietti has introduced legislation that would make any unused seats in public schools available to other students within the district.
The legislation (2026-S 2649) would encourage the Department of Education to work with school districts to determine target enrollment sizes per grade, and in the case where a grade is under-enrolled, would allow these seats to be accessible to anyone within the district using mechanisms and procedures established by the state.
“It’s unfair for schools to have open seats when students in other parts of the district lack access to other options,” said Senator Famiglietti (D-Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence). “This would establish an efficient process to expand access to high-performing schools within the student’s own district without requiring new buildings or additional funding, would help reduce inequities created by rigid geographical boundaries, which often limit access to stronger programs, and it supports families by giving them more public school choices without having to leave their communities.”
The bill would allow districts to give enrollment priority to siblings of currently enrolled students, students requiring specialized programs not offered elsewhere or students residing nearest to the school, provided that such priorities are applied consistently and transparently.
Andy McManus, chief of external affairs for Collective Action for Education, testified in favor of the bill, telling the Senate Education Committee, “This proposal offers a practical way to strengthen access to district schools by ensuring that available seats are used in the best interests of students and families. Many districts provide some form of school selection, but once those placements are made, seats can still remain open without a clear process for families to pursue them. This bill creates that additional opportunity. Rather than leaving seats empty, it ensures that they are available to other students in the district through transparent procedures.”
A companion bill (2026-H 7900) has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Anthony J. DeSimone (D-Dist. 5, Providence).
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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