The "Bright Today Scholarship and Open Enrollment Education Act" aims to provide parents of kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) students in Rhode Island with the opportunity to enroll their children in educational programs of their choosing. This includes open enrollment in traditional public schools within their own district or any other public school district, as well as the option to receive scholarships that allocate designated public funds to follow the student to a participating private school or private curriculum program selected by the parent. The program combines elements of "school choice" and "school voucher" initiatives and is set to begin on August 1, 2025.

The act establishes "Bright Today Scholarships," which are available to all K-12 students, allowing parents to utilize funds that would typically be allocated to their child at their resident school district for educational programs determined by the parents or guardians. The scholarship amounts are determined based on household income levels, with specific guidelines for students from households qualifying for the federal free or reduced-price lunch program and those with disabilities.

The legislation outlines parental responsibilities, including the commitment to provide education in core subjects and the proper use of scholarship funds for approved educational expenses. It also details the management of scholarship accounts by the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE), which will oversee the program's administration, including the establishment of an application period and the adoption of necessary rules and policies.

To ensure accountability, participating schools must comply with state laws regarding health and safety, maintain valid occupancy permits, and provide parents with receipts for qualifying expenses. The act mandates that parents ensure participating students take state achievement tests or nationally norm-referenced tests, with results reported to the department for aggregation and public reporting.

The act prohibits any government agency from exercising control or supervision over nonpublic schools or homeschools, ensuring their autonomy. It also includes provisions for an appeal process for decisions made by the department, measures to prevent fraud related to scholarship accounts, and the requirement for quarterly fund transfers to individual scholarship accounts.

The program will take effect upon passage and is designed to enhance educational flexibility and financial support for families in Rhode Island.