AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- OFFENSES PERTAINING TO SCHOOLS (Bans preferential treatment to a public or private university applicant because of the student's familial relationship to a previous university attendee.)

H7893

2026 -- H 7893
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LC005666
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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 -- OFFENSES PERTAINING TO SCHOOLS

Introduced By:
Representatives Morales, Sanchez, Giraldo, Cruz, Potter, and Cotter

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 16-38 of the General Laws entitled "Offenses Pertaining to Schools
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[See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]" is hereby amended by
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adding thereto the following section:
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16-38-15. Legacy admissions.

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(a) No public or private university shall extend preferential treatment to an applicant in any
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manner because of the student's familial relationship to a previous attendee during admissions
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consideration.
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(b) No public or private university shall inquire about a prospective student's familial
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relationship to a previous attendee on an application for admission. If the university learns about
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the prospective student's familial relationship to a previous attendee during the application process,
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the institution shall not extend preferential treatment to the prospective student.
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SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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LC005666
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EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO EDUCATION -- OFFENSES PERTAINING TO SCHOOLS
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This act would ban preferential treatment to a public or private university applicant because
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of the student's familial relationship to a previous university attendee.
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This act would take effect upon passage.
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LC005666
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