The bill amends Section 16-5-30 of the General Laws, which pertains to the withholding of state aid for infractions of laws or regulations by cities, towns, or school committees, particularly regarding the nonpayment of tuition owed by one community to another. The amendment introduces a new provision that exempts schools or school districts under intervention for failing schools from the withholding of aid for such infractions. It also mandates the commissioner of elementary and secondary education to report annually to the general assembly on all infractions of school law and the actions taken in each instance.

The bill specifies that the new exemption will not apply indefinitely; it includes a sunset clause that causes the exemption to expire on July 1, 2025, unless the general assembly decides to extend it. Additionally, the act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and will apply retroactively to any orders issued under Section 16-5-30 on or after January 1, 2021, as well as to any pending orders or proceedings as of the passage of this act. This retroactive application ensures that the amendment affects recent and ongoing cases of aid withholding due to tuition nonpayment.

Statutes affected:
2861  SUB A: 16-5-30
2861: 16-5-30