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 aimed at enhancing support for public education. It requires that each public school serving grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12) employ at least one full-time certified social worker for every two hundred fifty (250) students. A "social worker" is defined as any person who holds a valid professional certificate in school social work issued by the state department of education.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the general assembly appropriate an additional sum of two million dollars ($2,000,000) for Fiscal Year 2026 to allow school districts or municipalities to employ additional social workers.

The bill takes effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7456: 16-7.2-6