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 regarding state funding for various educational programs. It establishes a new categorical program for state-funded expenses, which includes funding for excess costs associated with special education, career and technical education, voluntary pre-kindergarten programs, and transportation costs for students attending out-of-district non-public schools. Additionally, it creates a Stabilization Fund for Central Falls, Davies, and the Met Center to ensure adequate support for their students and outlines criteria for the allocation of funds for these programs.

A significant change in the bill is the adjustment of the regionalization bonus for public school districts that are regionalized. The regionalization bonus will now be set at two percent (2.0%) of the state's share of foundation education aid for the regionalized district starting in the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and continuing in subsequent years. The previous structure, which included a one percent (1.0%) bonus in the second fiscal year and a cessation of the bonus in the third fiscal year, has been removed. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
2373: 16-7.2-6