On June 18, 2026, Rhode Island Gov. Daniel McKee (D) signed identical bills (S 2787 and H7415) to prohibit the state's Council on Elementary and Secondary Education from approving the creation or expansion of any district charter schools through the 2028-2029 school year. The bill also reduced the allowed number of charter schools in the state from 35 to 28, and will prevent some previously approved charter schools from opening.
Rhode Island state law provides for three types of charter schools: district charter schools, independent charter schools, and mayoral academies. The moratorium applies to all three types of charter schools.
The Rhode Island Senate passed S 2787 31-6 with one senator not voting on June 4, 2026. All supporters of the bill were Democrats, though two Democrats joined four Republicans to oppose it.
