Measure to move on to the House of Representatives SMITH HILL â The Senate passed legislation last week that would permanently enact the Rhode Island Promise program â a scholarship program which provides up to two years of free tuition for eligible Rhode Islanders at the Community College of Rhode Island. The program is currently set to expire with the next incoming class this fall, though Senate President Dominick Ruggerio (Dist. 4 â Providence, North Providence) hopes to remove the sunset provision altogether. Â âHigher education is more necessary than ever before, and it has to be available and affordable for all Rhode Islanders,â Ruggerio said. âRhode Island Promise has proven itself effective, significantly improving two-year graduation rates for students. Removing barriers to higher education â particularly its high cost â supports families, helps Rhode Islanders land better jobs, makes our workforce more attractive to employers and strengthens our economy.â