The bill amends "The Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act" to provide direct state funding for various educational programs and expenses, including special education, career and technical education, pre-kindergarten programs, and transportation costs. It eliminates the requirement for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to prorate funds if approved costs exceed the appropriated amount. The bill also offers a regionalization bonus for public school districts that are regionalized, with specific provisions for the Chariho Regional School District, and increases state support for English learners by applying an EL factor of ten percent to the core-instruction per-pupil amount.

Furthermore, the bill introduces state support for school resource officers, defining their roles and setting requirements based on school enrollment for districts or municipalities that employ them. This support is scheduled to be in effect for three years starting in FY 2019. The bill removes the proration requirement for the department of elementary and secondary education and eliminates the funding of categorical programs as outlined in a specific transition plan.

Statutes affected:
231: 16-7.2-6