The proposed legislation, known as the "Bilingual and Dual Language and World Language Teachers Investment Act," aims to expand the issuance of bilingual, dual language, and world language teacher certifications in urban core and urban ring public schools in Rhode Island. The act establishes two scholarship programs: one for college students pursuing certification and another for eligible teachers already in the workforce.

The act mandates an annual appropriation of $500,000 by the General Assembly, commencing in fiscal year 2026, to support these scholarship initiatives, with the possibility of additional funds for administrative and implementation efforts. Charitable donations may also be accepted to further fund the scholarship programs.

Eligibility criteria for scholarship recipients include commitments to work full-time in urban schools within one year of certification completion, maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.5, and completing the FAFSA or Rhode Island alternative application for state postsecondary student financial assistance. The office of the postsecondary commissioner is empowered to collaborate with Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island to streamline the certification process.

The provisions of this act are set to take effect on November 1, 2025.