The bill amends Section 16-7.2-6 of the General Laws under "The Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act" to introduce new provisions for state funding aimed at enhancing mental and behavioral health support for students. It mandates that districts receive additional funding equal to two percent (2%) of their total expenditures, which must be allocated for hiring and retaining staff such as school social workers, school counselors, school psychologists, paraprofessionals, behavioral specialists, and registered behavior technicians (RBTs).

To qualify for this funding, districts must meet specific criteria, including: (1) being below the industry-recommended ratios of one school social worker per 250 students, one school counselor per 250 students, one school psychologist per 500 students, and/or having elementary classrooms without a full-time paraprofessional, behavior specialist, or RBT; (2) complying with all provisions of the school improvement team law; and (3) maintaining policies to ensure that students removed from the classroom due to escalated behavior receive de-escalation support before returning to the classroom.

The bill also requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to collect performance reports from districts, approve the use of funds prior to expenditure, and ensure that the funds are aligned with innovative and expansive activities, rather than being used for activities that the district is currently funding. If the total calculated costs exceed the available funding in any fiscal year, the department shall prorate the funds among eligible recipients. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
256: 16-7.2-6