The bill establishes a new chapter, CHAPTER 9.1, titled "Warwick Public Schools Budget Commission," within Title 45 of the General Laws concerning towns and cities. This chapter creates a budget commission specifically for the Warwick school district, which will operate during periods of financial distress that threaten the fiscal well-being, public safety, and welfare of the city and its schools. The commission will consist of five members: three designees of the mayor with the advice and consent of the city council, one designee of the Warwick superintendent of schools, and one designee of the chair of the Warwick school committee. One of the mayoral designees will serve as the chairperson. The commission will have the authority to approve school budget appropriations, amend and formulate annual budgets, implement uniform budget guidelines, and develop a three-year operating and capital financial plan to achieve fiscal stability. It will also be subject to public records, ethics, and open meetings laws.

The commission will remain in effect until two conditions are met: the approval of the FY 2025-2026 Warwick school budget as recommended by the mayor and approved by the city council, and the adoption of a deficit reduction plan by the commission as approved by the auditor general. The bill outlines specific exemptions for the commission, including the inability to reject or alter collective bargaining agreements, hire or terminate school personnel, or impact projects funded by bond proceeds. Additionally, it includes provisions for the liberal construction of the chapter and the severability of its provisions, ensuring that if any part is deemed unconstitutional, the remaining sections will still stand. The act will take effect upon passage.