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6/11/2026
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Assembly approves Leader Ciccone, Rep. Diaz legislation to reduce residency requirement for in-state tuition
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STATE HOUSE – The General Assembly today passed legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Frank A. Ciccone III and Rep. Grace Diaz that would reduce the Rhode Island residency requirement for higher education 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,” said Leader Ciccone (D-Dist. 7, Providence, Johnston).
“If a child calls Rhode Island home, they deserve the same educational opportunities that other Rhode Island students utilize. And with daily costs still rising across the board, providing in-state tuition for a greater number of students will have significant positive effects for not only the students, but the entire community as well. This legislation is an investment in Rhode Island’s future by creating a more educated future community and workforce, and it’s the right thing to do for all of Rhode Island’s kids,” said Representative Diaz (D-Dist. 11, Providence).
The legislation (2026-S 2650aa, 2026-H 8252aa) would amend the Student Success Act to reduce the time a student must have been a resident of Rhode Island to quality for in-state tuition, from three years to two years. 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 legislation would apply to students at the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and the Community College of Rhode Island.
The bills now head to the governor for consideration.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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