The bill amends existing laws regarding charter public schools and mayoral academies in Rhode Island, specifically focusing on oversight and compliance with prevailing wage and benefit requirements for educators and administrators. It introduces new provisions that empower the commissioner to administer and enforce compliance with these requirements. The department is tasked with determining and publishing the prevailing wage and benefit rates for all teacher and administrator positions at each charter school by July 1 of each year. Charter public schools are required to provide compensation data for compliance monitoring.

Charter schools found in violation of wage and benefit laws may face civil penalties of up to five hundred dollars ($500) per affected teacher or administrator, per day of violation, and must provide full restitution of unpaid wages and benefits to affected employees. Additionally, any documented noncompliance will be considered during charter renewal, oversight, or state funding determinations.

The bill also outlines the procedure for the creation and expansion of mayoral academies, ensuring that teachers and administrators in these institutions are entitled to prevailing wages and benefits as enjoyed by other Rhode Island public school teachers and administrators. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2634: 16-77-5.1, 16-77.4-2