2016 -- S 2263

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LC003711

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2016

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO ELECTIONS - SCHOOL CLOSINGS

     Introduced By: Senators Gee, Raptakis, Kettle, Metts, and Jabour

     Date Introduced: February 09, 2016

     Referred To: Senate Education

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 17-18-15 of the General Laws in Chapter 17-18 entitled "Elective

Meetings" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     17-18-15. Closing of schools. -- At each general election as defined in § 17-1-2(2) and

statewide primary as defined in § 17-15-1, all public elementary and secondary schools

throughout the state shall not be in session. On the day of the general election and statewide

primary, the use of school buildings or premises shall be restricted to use only as polling places

for election purposes. Notwithstanding the previous provisions, school staff development days

may be held. Provided further, that the provisions of this section shall not be applicable to the

Block Island School, located in the town of New Shoreham, and the use of the Block Island

School shall not be restricted, nor shall classes need to be cancelled or postponed at said school,

on the day of general elections and statewide primaries. The decision as to whether a municipal

school will be closed on the day of a particular scheduled election shall be made by each

individual municipal or regional school department(s).

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on January 1, 2017.

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LC003711

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO ELECTIONS - SCHOOL CLOSINGS

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     This act would grant to each individual municipal school department the power to

determine whether their schools would be open on a particular scheduled election day.

     This act would take effect on January 1, 2017.

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