The bill amends the General Laws concerning the Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act, focusing on the determination of the state's share of foundation education aid and the establishment of various funding programs. It introduces a new section that requires the Department of Revenue to publish a report, in collaboration with local education agencies, identifying costs borne by districts that are partially funded or unfunded. This report will be submitted to the governor for consideration in the final budget proposal and will be accessible to the public via the state transparency portal.

Additionally, the bill mandates that effective July 1, 2026, the state will assume the costs of the dual enrollment program, including specific programs at the Community College of Rhode Island and the New England Institute of Technology. It also requires the Department of Revenue to publish an annual report on costs incurred by districts, starting January 1, 2027.

The bill authorizes school districts to implement lower-cost curriculum programs that are substantially similar to those approved by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) and allows districts to petition RIDE for the use of these lower-cost options. Furthermore, it establishes a pause on purchasing new curricular materials and accompanying professional development until further action is taken by the general assembly, effective July 1, 2026.

The bill also stipulates that sending districts must be notified of Career and Technical Education (CTE) enrollment timelines by April 1 and final rosters by June 15, with no changes allowed after that date unless mutually agreed upon by the districts. Lastly, it ensures that the state will fund all costs for dual enrollment programs as a categorical expense beginning July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
7420: 16-45-1, 16-100-3