Bill Sponsors
Rogers, Paolino, E Morgan, and de la Cruz
Committee
Senate Labor & Gaming
Summary
Select
This legislation amends Rhode Island's education laws regarding Career and Technical Education (CTE). Effective July 1, 2026, it allows students enrolled in specific CTE programs—such as emergency medicine, firefighting, or public safety—to participate in training activities at the Rhode Island Fire Academy, even if they are under eighteen years old. The bill mandates that state education and health departments work with the Fire Academy to establish safety and eligibility guidelines. Additionally, qualified students who complete these programs will be eligible to take official certification exams for Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and Hazardous Materials Awareness.
Sponsor
Analysis
Pros for Progressives
- Promotes educational equity by providing non-college-bound youth with robust, state-funded vocational training and clear pathways to stable, unionized public sector careers.
- Strengthens the community social safety net by creating a sustainable pipeline of trained personnel for essential public services like firefighting and emergency medicine.
- Empowers youth by removing age-based bureaucratic barriers, allowing them to gain professional credentials and economic independence at an earlier age.
Cons for Progressives
- Raises concerns regarding the safety and well-being of minors participating in potentially hazardous training environments traditionally reserved for adults.
- Could be viewed as funneling working-class students into dangerous professions rather than encouraging broader academic exploration or higher education opportunities.
- May lack sufficient oversight details in the bill text regarding strict protections against physical exploitation or liability in the event of student injury.
Pros for Conservatives
- Encourages workforce development and skilled trades, reducing reliance on four-year university degrees and promoting practical, job-ready skills.
- Strengthens public safety institutions by expanding the recruitment pool for first responders, ensuring communities are better protected.
- Promotes individual responsibility and work ethic among youth by allowing them to engage in rigorous, disciplined professional training.
Cons for Conservatives
- Expands government bureaucracy by requiring multiple state departments and boards to create new regulations, guidelines, and benchmarks.
- Potential for increased taxpayer liability if a minor is injured during state-sponsored training activities at the Fire Academy.
- Delays implementation until 2026, which may be seen as government inefficiency in addressing immediate workforce shortages in the fire services.
Constitutional Concerns
None Likely
Impact Overview
Groups Affected
- CTE Students
- Rhode Island Fire Academy Staff
- Fire Departments
- Vocational Schools
- Parents of CTE Students
Towns Affected
All
Cost to Taxpayers
Amount unknown
Revenue Generated
None
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Bill Status
Current Status
Held
Comm Passed
Floor Passed
Law
History
• 01/16/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Labor and Gaming
Bill Text
SECTION 1. Chapter 16-45.1 of the General Laws entitled "Career and Technical Education [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
16-45.1-4. Participation by students in training activities at the Rhode Island fire academy.
(a) Effective July 1, 2026, students enrolled in an appropriately credentialed career and technical education program in the areas of emergency medicine technician, firefighting, or public safety (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “program”) including, but not limited to, students under the age of eighteen (18) years, shall be eligible to participate in training activities at the Rhode Island fire academy. The Rhode Island fire academy, in conjunction with the department of health, the department of education, and the career and technical board of trustees, shall establish guidelines and benchmarks a student shall meet within and, if appropriate, outside of the program, in order to be eligible to participate in these training activities. Provided, as a prerequisite, a student shall be deemed fit to participate in these training activities by both the student’s sending district and the fire academy.
(b)(1) Effective July 1, 2026, students who successfully complete an appropriately credentialed career and technical education program as described in subsection (a) of this section may take the exams and skills testing for the following certifications:
(i) Hazardous materials awareness;
(ii) Firefighter I; and
(iii) Firefighter II.
(2) The fire education and training coordinating board established pursuant to § 23-28.2- 23 is authorized to promulgate any rules or regulations the board deems necessary to ensure students are properly trained and fit to undertake the exams and skills testing for the certifications referenced in this subsection.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
16-45.1-4. Participation by students in training activities at the Rhode Island fire academy.
(a) Effective July 1, 2026, students enrolled in an appropriately credentialed career and technical education program in the areas of emergency medicine technician, firefighting, or public safety (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “program”) including, but not limited to, students under the age of eighteen (18) years, shall be eligible to participate in training activities at the Rhode Island fire academy. The Rhode Island fire academy, in conjunction with the department of health, the department of education, and the career and technical board of trustees, shall establish guidelines and benchmarks a student shall meet within and, if appropriate, outside of the program, in order to be eligible to participate in these training activities. Provided, as a prerequisite, a student shall be deemed fit to participate in these training activities by both the student’s sending district and the fire academy.
(b)(1) Effective July 1, 2026, students who successfully complete an appropriately credentialed career and technical education program as described in subsection (a) of this section may take the exams and skills testing for the following certifications:
(i) Hazardous materials awareness;
(ii) Firefighter I; and
(iii) Firefighter II.
(2) The fire education and training coordinating board established pursuant to § 23-28.2- 23 is authorized to promulgate any rules or regulations the board deems necessary to ensure students are properly trained and fit to undertake the exams and skills testing for the certifications referenced in this subsection.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.