2014 -- H 7443

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LC003919

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2014

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION - PRIVATE SCHOOLS

     Introduced By: Representatives Morgan, Giarrusso, Dickinson, Hull, and Phillips

     Date Introduced: February 12, 2014

     Referred To: House Health, Education & Welfare

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 16-40-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-40 entitled "Private

Schools [See Title 16 Chapter 97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]" is hereby

amended to read as follows:

     16-40-2. Authority to grant degrees not presumed. -- Authority to grant academic,

collegiate, professional, or other degrees recognizing learning, scholarship, or achievement shall

not be included in or presumed to be part of the functions of a corporation or of an institution of

education, unless its charter or the articles of association shall specifically indicate that the

institution is nonprofit and specifically indicate the power to grant degrees and the nature of the

degrees to be granted; and no corporation or association shall grant academic, collegiate,

professional, or similar degrees without specific authorization from the appropriate board; and for

institutions offering an associates degree or higher, has received full New England Association of

Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accreditation within five (5) years of its incorporation or

establishment within this state or five (5) years of being permitted to transact business within this

state.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC003919

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION - PRIVATE SCHOOLS

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     This act would clarify the ability of for-profit educational institutions to offer academic

degrees.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC003919

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