2025 Legislative Recap
What we fought for - AND WON
From a comprehensive cell phone policy to more funding for education, NEARI was a constant presence at the Statehouse in 2025—advocating for student mental health and safety, worker protections and dignity, and adequate funding for public schools. Some victories were major, while others laid the groundwork for future progress. In every case, NEARI members raised their voices to show lawmakers what truly matters. Below is our end-of-session recap:
PASSED! Student Safety and Behavioral Health Committee
Educators and support staff now have a voice in policies addressing student behavior and mental health. Each district is required to have a Student Safety and Behavioral Health Committee, where educators and administrators work together to analyze what supports are currently available, what procedures should be followed, and what additional resources are needed to ensure all our students get the support and education they deserve. *Two certified staff and two support staff appointed by their respective Locals are required to sit on the committee. Interested members should contact their Local President!
PASSED! Cell Phone Policy
We know personal devices are taking a serious toll on a student’s ability to focus in the classroom and their overall mental health. It also contributes to classroom disruption.
Every public school district will be required to have a policy regarding the use of personal electronic devices on school grounds and during school-sponsored activities to reduce distractions and maintain environments focused on learning. The act would also enable school districts to make exceptions to the policy. *This act takes effect on August 1, 2026.
Improved! Funding for Public Education, from pre-k through public higher ed
K-12 Funding: An additional $16.5 million was secured for the K-12 funding formula, bringing more resources to students and educators, strengthening educational services, and supporting efforts to negotiate fair wages.
Higher Education: NEARI successfully advocated for increased funding and legislative backing to deliver meaningful raises for our members at CCRI and URI.
At every key bill hearing, NEARI leaders consistently urged lawmakers to reopen the education funding formula to reexamine how resources are distributed to cities and towns. We believe this advocacy moved the conversation forward and laid the foundation for progress in future legislative sessions. *Watch for NEARI trainings in 2026 on how the funding formula works - and why understanding it is critical when bargaining for fair contracts and school funding.
PASSED! Freedom to Read
This act upholds the principles of free expression and access to information by prohibiting the censorship of library materials. It calls for the development of a model policy for both public and school libraries and provides protections for library professionals, shielding them from civil or criminal liability for good-faith actions taken in the course of their work.
PASSED! - Assault Weapons Ban
Rhode Island has banned the sale and manufacture of assault-style weapons. The final bill that passed defines various prohibited firearms and restricts their manufacture, sale, and purchase. *This takes effect on July 1, 2026.
Further Pension Improvements
Our organization has continually fought for pension relief for all. Last year, we won the first improvement to our pension in 38 years. It was a difficult legislative year for funding, but we saw some movement on 135 days for parental/medical leave and teacher survivor benefits. We will go back to Smith Hill ready to continue the fight toward restoring what was promised to dedicated public workers.
Other important items on our agenda
We worked together with the labor movement and allied organizations on issues. Some we’ve championed in the past and will continue to advocate for.
PASSED! Bargaining unit list requirements
This law requires the employers of unionized public school teachers, municipal employees and state employees, to provide the union, at least once every one hundred twenty (120) days, a list of all their employees in their union.
PASSED! Labor Board modernization
This act would expand the definition of "employee," and would clarify that the board has the right to defer a pending unfair labor practice charge to allow for the grievance and arbitration process to move forward pursuant to the charging parties collective bargaining agreement.
Healthy School Meals for All
Tough year for this bill, but NEARI will continue to support any further incremental steps toward universal meals.
Revenue for RI
The full proposal to raise taxes on filers in the top 1% did not gain traction this year, but the final budget transmitted to the governor (which he allowed to pass without his signature) includes some opportunity for a revenue bump. The so-called "Taylor Swift tax" assesses an annual fee on second homes valued at more than $1 million, funding that can be used to improve education funding - especially if we face federal cuts.
For 2026 legislative agenda, lobby day information, testimony, and bill details, visit the Legislative Program page in the ACTION CENTER.
