This bill amends the Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act to include new provisions for state-funded expenses in education. The bill adds a section that allows for direct state funding for excess costs associated with special education students. The bill also adds provisions for state funding for career and technical education costs, programs to increase access to pre-kindergarten programs, and support for Central Falls, Davies, and the Met Center. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for state funding for transporting students to out-of-district non-public schools and within regional school districts. Finally, the bill includes a provision for a regionalization bonus for regionalized school districts, with the bonus amount determined by the state's share of the foundation education aid for the district.

This bill, titled the Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act, aims to provide state support for school-based mental and behavioral health services. The bill states that for a period of three years, local education agencies (LEAs) will receive direct state support for the costs associated with hiring and retaining mental and behavioral health professionals certified by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This includes certified school psychologists, certified social workers, and certified counselors. LEAs will be reimbursed for one-half of the cost of salaries and benefits for these positions, after accounting for any federal funds or grants received. Funding will be provided for these positions established on or after July 1, 2023, with specific ratios of professionals to students depending on the type of position. LEAs will not be eligible for reimbursement if they eliminate existing positions and create new ones, and schools within the same LEA may share professionals as long as certain conditions are met. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will report annually to the general assembly on the number and type of mental or behavioral health professionals employed by each LEA and serving each school.

Statutes affected:
64: 16-7.2-6