HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE DISPARATE IMPACT OF DISCIPLINARY POLICIES ON STUDENTS (Creates an 12-member commission to study the impact on family and school performance in relation to current disciplinary policies in public schools, and would report back by November 17, 2027, and would expire on February 17, 2028.)

Plain-English Summary

This bill would create a special 12-member commission in Rhode Island to study how school discipline policies affect students differently depending on their background. The focus is on "disparate impact" — meaning the commission would look at whether certain groups of students (such as those of different races, income levels, or other characteristics) are disciplined more harshly or more frequently than others under current public school policies.

The commission would examine how these discipline practices affect both students and their families, as well as how they influence overall school performance. The group would gather information, research the issue, and produce a formal report with their findings by November 17, 2027. The commission would officially dissolve on February 17, 2028, making it a temporary, time-limited study group rather than a permanent body.

This bill would most directly affect public school students, their families, and school administrators across Rhode Island. The findings could eventually inform future legislation or policy changes related to how schools handle student misconduct and discipline. Currently, the bill has been referred to the House Education Committee and is being held for further study, meaning it has not yet moved forward in the legislative process.