The bill amends Section 16-7.2-6 of the General Laws under "The Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act" to improve funding mechanisms for educational programs, particularly focusing on special education. Key insertions include a new definition of "extraordinary" costs for special education, which will be set at costs exceeding three and one-half times the core foundation amount in fiscal year 2027 and three times in fiscal year 2028. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is tasked with collecting data on educational costs that exceed two times the core foundation amount, and provisions are made for funding excess costs for special education students who enroll in a district after the budget has been approved.

Additionally, the bill introduces funding for career and technical education, pre-kindergarten programs, and transportation for students attending out-of-district non-public schools. It establishes a Stabilization Fund for specific districts and introduces a regionalization bonus for public school districts that have regionalized. The bill also includes provisions for state support of school resource officers (SROs), allowing for state reimbursement of half the salaries and benefits for SROs under certain conditions. Notably, it deletes a previous provision related to regionalization bonuses, indicating a shift in focus towards enhancing school safety and special education funding. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5282: 16-7.2-6