The proposed bill introduces a new chapter, CHAPTER 117, titled "Building Opportunities in Out-of-School Time," to Title 16 of the General Laws concerning education. The primary purpose of this chapter is to allocate funding to enhance afterschool, school vacation, summer learning, and workforce development programs for students in grades K-12. It aims to provide specialized training for staff in out-of-school time (OST) programs, promote community engagement, and address chronic absenteeism. The General Assembly is mandated to allocate a minimum of four million dollars ($4,000,000) in the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget for these initiatives, which include professional development, program assessment, and workforce development funding.

Additionally, the Rhode Island Afterschool Network, through the Rhode Island Foundation, is tasked with distributing at least five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) for professional development and three million five hundred thousand dollars ($3,500,000) for a competitive funding process. Funding will prioritize programs that support equity, diversity, and accessibility, particularly for low-income families and youth with disabilities. The bill also requires the Rhode Island Afterschool Network to report annually to the General Assembly and the Governor on the progress of the funded programs, ensuring accountability and transparency in the use of allocated resources. The act will take effect upon passage.