The bill amends "The Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act" by revising state-funded categorical programs and expenses. It ensures direct state funding for special education, career and technical education, pre-kindergarten programs, and student transportation to out-of-district non-public schools and within regional school districts. The amendment removes the requirement for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to prorate funds among school districts if approved costs exceed the appropriated amount, suggesting a move towards more direct state support. Additionally, the bill creates the Central Falls, Davies, and the Met Center Stabilization Fund, provides a regionalization bonus for public school districts, and increases state support for English learners by applying an EL factor to the core-instruction per-pupil amount.

The bill also addresses the funding and deployment of school resource officers (SROs) in public middle and high schools. It defines SROs, requires specialized training, and offers state support covering half the cost of SRO salaries and benefits for positions established after July 1, 2018. Schools with fewer than 1,200 students will require one SRO, while larger schools will need two. Schools that hire more SROs than required or replace existing SROs with new ones will not receive reimbursement. The bill includes deletions, such as the elimination of the requirement for prorated funds if costs exceed appropriations and the removal of the transition plan funding for categorical programs. The act will be effective upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2951: 16-7.2-6