The bill amends Section 45-13-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-13, titled "State Aid," to reinstate general revenue sharing of state aid among the thirty-nine cities and towns in Rhode Island. The new legal language includes provisions for the total amount of aid for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, to be set at thirty-nine million dollars ($39,000,000), allocated based on population as determined by the 2020 census. Additionally, starting from the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, the aid will be increased annually by the total percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U).

The bill also includes several deletions from current law, specifically removing outdated provisions related to aid calculations for previous fiscal years. The overall aim of the bill is to ensure a more equitable distribution of state aid based on current population data and economic conditions, thereby providing necessary financial support to local governments in Rhode Island. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5533: 45-13-1