The Regional Council has approved a law that aims to guarantee the "right to happiness." This is the core concept of the REST ( Residual Income for Education) program, introduced by a law unanimously approved by the Chamber. The measure, initiated by the Left Future Party (Sinistra Futura), focuses on the idea that education is not just a duty, but the primary tool for ensuring effective equality and social well-being. The law was approved by the Chamber after being reviewed by the second committee, where the original text by the proponents (first signatory Luca Pizzuto) was refined. The minority rapporteur, Maria Francesca Masala (FdI), raised concerns about the use of terms like "social beauty" and "right to happiness," calling them difficult to define from an operational standpoint.
Ultimately, Article 1, approved by the commission and subsequently approved by the Chamber, although refined, retained the following: "The Region recognizes knowledge, culture, and education, at every stage of life, as the primary tools for ensuring the effective equality of citizens, as well as the realization of their right to happiness and well-being."
The REST is a monthly, personal, and inalienable financial grant. It is intended for adults residing or domiciled in Sardinia (including holders of a residence permit) who are economically disadvantaged and do not receive other scholarships.
The age requirements are strict: 18 years of age for a middle school diploma (primary or lower secondary school), 25 years of age for a high school diploma, and 30 years of age for university and higher technical training courses (ITS). To qualify, an ISEE income of no more than €6,500 is required, a parameter borrowed directly from the Social Inclusion Income (REIS) criteria. The estimated average monthly payments are €475 for those with a middle school diploma, €625 for high school diplomas, and €775 for university diplomas, for an estimated 387 beneficiaries.
The operating mechanism, finalized during the Commission's review, does not provide for a blanket disbursement, but is based on an exchange of commitments. Specifically, the beneficiary must enter into a "personalized learning agreement" with the school, requiring regular participation and achievement of intermediate and final objectives. In the event of unjustified dropout or failure to perform, the subsidy is immediately revoked. (up to a maximum of two times) for reasons of force majeure not attributable to the student. The planned allocation is €3 million per year starting in 2026. This does not constitute new costs, but will be drawn from the funds already allocated for the REIS, with which the REST is fully cumulative.
