The bill amends Section 16-7.2-6 of the General Laws under "The Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act" to revise the calculation of state funding for special education services. It defines extraordinary costs for fiscal year 2027 as educational costs that exceed three and one-half times the core foundation amount, and for fiscal year 2028 as exceeding three times the core foundation amount. The bill also mandates that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will provide funding for excess costs associated with special education students who move into a district after the district has approved its fiscal year budget.

Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to collect data on educational costs that exceed the state-approved threshold based on amounts above two times the core foundation amount. The language removes the requirement for prorating funds based on available funding and emphasizes the appropriate distribution of funds among eligible districts. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5282: 16-7.2-6