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 method for calculating the state's share, which considers a district's revenue-generating capacity and the concentration of high-need students. Additionally, it 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 budget considerations and made accessible to the public through the state transparency portal.

The bill outlines state funding for categorical programs, including the dual enrollment program, which the state will fully fund as of July 1, 2026. It also allows school districts to implement lower-cost curriculum programs that are substantially similar to those approved by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) and provides a pause on purchasing new curricular materials and professional development until further legislative action is taken, effective July 1, 2026. Furthermore, it mandates that sending districts be notified of Career and Technical Education (CTE) enrollment timelines and final rosters by specified dates.

Overall, the bill aims to enhance educational equity and address unfunded mandates within the education system.

Statutes affected:
2551: 16-45-1, 16-100-3