2021 -- H 6149

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LC002510

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION

     Introduced By: Representatives Place, Chippendale, and Hull

     Date Introduced: March 24, 2021

     Referred To: House Education

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Title 16 of the General Laws entitled "EDUCATION" is hereby amended by

adding thereto the following chapter:

CHAPTER 7.3

EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS PROGRAM

     16-7.3-1. Education savings accounts program established.

     (a) Upon request to the Rhode Island department of education of any parent, guardian or

caretaker of any school age child in the state, the general treasurer shall establish, in any form as

the general treasurer deems appropriate, an education savings account program. The purpose of the

program shall be to assist and support the parents, guardians and caretakers of each student in the

school district with the materials, tutors, technology and other educational support for any student

learning at home or at any other remote-learning site.

     (b) Each education savings account shall be maintained in a restricted receipt savings

account and shall be managed by the parent(s), guardian(s), or caretaker(s) of the student.

     (c) The Rhode Island department of education shall determine the available per pupil cost

of the school district to the existing students of the school district. Said per pupil cost shall be set

aside by the school district in the restricted receipt savings account established for each student of

the school district entitled to an education savings account.

     (d) The parent(s), guardian(s), or caretaker(s) of each student for whom an education

savings account is established may contribute additional monies to such account.

     (e) For state income tax purposes, the amount contributed and the annual earnings

therefrom contributed to an education savings account by a parent, guardian or caretaker shall be

exempt from the state income tax and shall not be includible in the Rhode Island personal income

tax of the parent, guardian or caretaker making the contribution to the education savings account.

     (f) The parent(s), guardian(s), or caretaker(s) of any student with an education savings

account shall be entitled to utilize, at their sole discretion, any funds in the education savings

account established for the student for tutoring, technology, supplies and any other learning support

measures or materials.

     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

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     This act would establish an education savings account program to assist and support the

parents, guardians and caretakers of students in any school district of the state with the materials,

tutors, technology and other educational support for any student learning at home or at any other

remote-learning site.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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