RHODE ISLAND â New legislation could make the possibility of a more affordable higher education reality for more young Rhode Islanders. Last week, House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi (D â Dist. 23 - Warwick) and Senate President Dominick Ruggerio (D â Dist. 4 - North Providence, Providence) introduced legislation to permanently enact the Rhode Island Promise program, which provides up to two years of free tuition for eligible Ocean State residents at the Community College of Rhode Island. Currently, the program is set to expire with the next, incoming fall class. New legislation on the table looks to remove this sunset clause altogether, however, making the program a permanent option for young high school graduates.Â