Rhode Island · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 8389: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 8389 is a bill introduced in the Rhode Island House on April 1, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND. Primary sponsor: Matthew Dawson (Democratic), Tina Spears (Democratic), Michelle McGaw (Democratic), Raymond Hull (Democratic), Charlene Lima (Democratic), Carol McEntee (Democratic), Justine Caldwell (Democratic), Teresa Tanzi (Democratic), Lauren Carson (Democratic), Kathleen Fogarty (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 framework to create a medical school at the University of Rhode Island and provides an initial appropriation of five million dollars ($5,000,000) as the first phase of a multi-year investment for the development of a medical school.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 10
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Dawson | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 65 |
| Tina Spears | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 36 |
| Michelle McGaw | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 71 |
| Raymond Hull | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 6 |
| Charlene Lima | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 14 |
| Carol McEntee | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 33 |
| Justine Caldwell | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 30 |
| Teresa Tanzi | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 34 |
| Lauren Carson | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 75 |
| Kathleen Fogarty | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 35 |
“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)
- 04/01/2026 Introduced, referred to House Finance