The bill amends Section 16-7.2-3 of the General Laws under "The Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act" to establish a permanent foundation education aid formula. This formula will calculate foundation education aid for each district based on a core instruction amount and additional support for high-need students. Effective July 1, 2025, the support for high-need students will include a student success factor that multiplies the core instruction per-pupil amount by twenty-five percent (25%) for each resident child identified as a multilingual learner, as defined by regulations of the council on elementary and secondary education, and for each resident child whose family income is at or below one hundred eighty-five percent (185%) of federal poverty guidelines.

Local education agencies will be required to report annually to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on their use of funds for multilingual learner services. The department will review these reports to ensure compliance with best practices. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5398: 16-7.2-3