AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CURRICULUM (Requires the development of a comprehensive collaborative course that provides students with accurate information and instruction on risks of wildfires while creating action plan to mitigate loss in case of a wildfire in all K-12 schools within the state.)

H7892

2026 -- H 7892
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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A N A C T
RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CURRICULUM

Introduced By:
Representatives Cotter, Kennedy, Chippendale, Spears, Casimiro, and
Cruz

Date Introduced:
February 27, 2026

Referred To:
House Education
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
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SECTION 1. Chapter 16-22 of the General Laws entitled "Curriculum [See Title 16
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Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act]" is hereby amended by adding thereto the
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following section:
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16-22-39. Firewise education program.

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(a) The department of elementary and secondary education shall, pursuant to rules and
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regulations promulgated by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education, establish a
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comprehensive collaborative course of instruction that provides students with accurate information
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and instruction on risks of wildfires while creating an action plan to mitigate loss in case of a
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wildfire. The department shall, pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the commissioner,
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utilize Firewise USA to create the basic education program requirement at all K-12 schools in the
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state.
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(b) Upon written request to the school principal, a pupil not less than eighteen (18) years
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of age or a parent or legal guardian of a pupil less than eighteen (18) years of age, within a
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reasonable period of time after the request is made, shall be permitted to examine the curriculum
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program instruction materials at the school in which their child is enrolled.
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(c) The department and the commissioner shall schedule the presentation of the program
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at the schools during any full week during March as an annual event.

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SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CURRICULUM
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This act would require the development of a comprehensive collaborative course that
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would provide students with accurate information and instruction on risks of wildfires while
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creating an action plan to mitigate loss in case of a wildfire in all K-12 schools within the state.
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This course would be scheduled by the department of education during any full week during March
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annually.
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This act would take effect upon passage.
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