Provides that adjunct faculty members at any state college or university who teach at least 50% of the hours regularly worked by full-time faculty in a semester would be eligible for the same medical benefits as other state employees.

## Plain-English Summary

This bill would extend medical health insurance benefits to adjunct (part-time) faculty members who work at Rhode Island's public colleges and universities. Currently, adjunct professors typically do not receive health insurance through their employer, even if they teach a significant number of courses. Under this proposal, if an adjunct faculty member teaches at least half the number of hours that a full-time professor would normally teach in a semester, they would qualify for the same medical benefits that other state employees — like full-time professors and government workers — already receive.

The bill would primarily affect adjunct faculty at Rhode Island's public higher education institutions, such as the Community College of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and the University of Rhode Island. Adjunct professors make up a large portion of teaching staff at many colleges, and they often work without the benefits that come with full-time employment. For qualifying adjuncts, this change could mean access to affordable health coverage they don't currently have through their job.

The bill was introduced and referred to the House Finance Committee, which is the typical next step before it can move forward for a full vote. Because extending benefits to more employees would cost the state money, the Finance Committee would likely examine the budget impact before deciding whether to advance the legislation.