The proposed bill, SB 2452, aims to enhance the mental health and emotional well-being of children and youth in Rhode Island by investing in out-of-school time (OST) programs. It introduces a new chapter titled "Building Opportunities in Out-of-School Time," which outlines the eligibility and allowable uses of funds to support evidence-informed initiatives that promote mental health through community-based or school-affiliated OST programs serving students in kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12).

The bill allocates $100,000 in the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget for these initiatives. Allowable uses of the funds include mental health first aid training, peer support groups, development of materials that support mental health awareness, program-based mental health projects, and other innovative approaches designed to support youth mental health and connection to appropriate supports. The funds shall be administered by the appropriate state agency or a designated statewide intermediary, ideally the Rhode Island Afterschool Network, which will award funds through a competitive process to qualified OST programs, prioritizing those serving youth with high levels of demonstrated need.

Additionally, the administering agency or intermediary is required to submit an annual report to the General Assembly detailing the number of OST programs and youth served, the geographic distribution of funded programs, and a summary of funded activities and observed outcomes. The act is set to take effect upon passage.