2026 -- H 7892

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LC005125

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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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