Rhode Island · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 8161: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HIGHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 8161 is a bill introduced in the Rhode Island House on February 27, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HIGHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. Primary sponsor: Rebecca Kislak (Democratic), Jennifer Boylan (Democratic), Lauren Carson (Democratic), Arthur Handy (Democratic), Susan Donovan (Democratic), Tina Spears (Democratic), Terri Cortvriend (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (April 30, 2026): 04/30/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Establishes the Higher Education Opportunities for Students with Disabilities Act.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 7
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rebecca Kislak | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 4 |
| Jennifer Boylan | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 66 |
| Lauren Carson | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 75 |
| Arthur Handy | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 18 |
| Susan Donovan | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 69 |
| Tina Spears | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 36 |
| Terri Cortvriend | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 72 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- 04/30/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
- 04/24/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/30/2026)
- 02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Finance