(a)  There is hereby established a trauma-informed schools commission (hereinafter the “commission”). The commission shall meet at least quarterly or approximately four (4) times per year in fiscal years 2023 and 2024. It shall expire on June 30, 2024. Members of the commission shall serve without compensation.

Ask a legal question, get an answer ASAP!
Click here to chat with a lawyer about your rights.

(b)  The commission shall be appointed by the council on elementary and secondary education no later than September 30, 2022, and shall be comprised of twelve (12) members: one of whom shall be the commissioner of elementary and secondary education, or designee; one of whom shall be a representative of the RI school superintendents association; one of whom shall be appointed from among the leadership of the state’s teachers’ unions; one of whom shall be the child advocate; one of whom shall be a representative of a Rhode Island-based institution of higher education with expertise in child development, child mental and behavioral health, trauma-informed educational practices, or a related field; two (2) of whom shall be representatives of youth-serving community-based organizations that provide direct services to youth who have experienced, or are at high risk of experiencing trauma; one of whom shall be a licensed clinical social worker, who primarily works with youth and/or families; one of whom shall be a representative of the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics; one of whom shall be the executive director of RI Kids Count, or designee; one of whom shall be the president of Adoption RI, or designee; and one of whom shall be a representative of an organization that engages and/or supports parents of school-age children, with priority given to representation from a parent-led organization.

(c)  The department of elementary and secondary education shall provide necessary staff and material support to the commission in the furtherance of its purpose.

(d)  The purpose of the commission shall be to assist the department of elementary and secondary education with the implementation of the trauma-informed schools act, as set forth in this section and § 16-21-40.

(e)  In furtherance of its purpose, the commission shall undertake such actions as it determines appropriate, which shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1)  Conducting a review and assessment of existing trauma-informed school and community-based resources and initiatives across the state;

(2)  Informing the development of a trauma-informed school implementation plan and supporting materials, that shall be submitted to the council on elementary and secondary education for approval no later than April 1, 2024;

(3)  Researching, identifying, and cataloging state, federal, and philanthropic funding sources that align with the provisions of this section and § 16-21-40;

(4)  No later than March 1, 2023, submitting an interim report to the speaker of the house, the president of the senate, and the governor, that provides an update on the commission’s initial findings, work plan, and any preliminary recommendations for regulatory or legislative action to promote the implementation of trauma-informed practices in schools; and

(5)  No later than June 30, 2024, submitting a final report to the speaker of the house, the president of the senate, and the governor, that details the commission’s findings and recommendations for implementing trauma-informed practices in every elementary and secondary school in Rhode Island.

(f)  The commission shall elect a chairperson from its membership. A quorum of the commission at any meeting shall consist of at least seven (7) members.

(g)  All departments, boards, and agencies of the state shall cooperate with the commission and forthwith furnish any advice and information, documentary and otherwise, as may be necessary or desirable to facilitate the purposes of this chapter.

(h)  The department of education is authorized and directed to provide suitable quarters for commission meetings.