The proposed bill, titled the Support and Access to Bilingual Education Act, aims to enhance bilingual education in Rhode Island by establishing a dual language program within the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The bill mandates the creation of a dual language program fund, with an appropriation of $300,000 to support grants for local education agencies (LEAs) that implement high-quality bilingual and dual language programs.

The bill outlines eligibility criteria for LEAs to receive funding, which includes the requirement that the LEA uses a high-quality bilingual language instruction program model and has a multilingual learner student population exceeding fifteen percent (15%) of total pupil enrollment. The language(s) of instruction, in addition to English, will be determined based on the predominant home language(s) of the multilingual learner student population.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the planning and implementation of dual language programs, allowing LEA recipients of the SABE act fund to use funds for activities such as partnering with education professionals to design programs, developing professional development for staff, procuring high-quality curricular materials, and committing to a staffing plan to support the dual language program. Only programs that adhere to high-quality dual language program standards may be funded.

The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.