The bill establishes the Warwick Public Schools Budget Commission, created under a new chapter in Title 45 of the General Laws, to oversee the financial management of the Warwick school district during periods of financial distress. The commission is tasked with ensuring that no appropriations, allocations, or expenditures for school purposes occur without its approval, except in emergencies as defined in the bill.

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 is responsible for developing a three-year operating and capital financial plan to achieve fiscal stability in the school district.

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 the powers and limitations of the commission, specifying that it cannot reject or alter collective bargaining agreements, hire or terminate school department personnel, or impact projects funded by bond proceeds. Additionally, it provides for the exemption of commission members and staff from civil liability for actions taken in the course of performing their official duties. The act will take effect upon passage.