This bill, titled "The Educational Equity and Property Tax Relief Act," includes new provisions for state-funded expenses in education. It establishes direct state funding for various programs, such as special education, career and technical education, pre-kindergarten, and transportation costs for non-public schools and regional school districts. It also creates a Central Falls, Davies, and the Met Center Stabilization Fund to provide additional support for these schools. The bill includes a regionalization bonus for public school districts that are regionalized.

The bill specifies how the funds will be distributed and prorated among eligible school districts. It requires the department of elementary and secondary education to develop criteria for allocating career and technical education funds and early childhood program funds. The bill also provides additional state support for English learners.

In addition, the bill requires all public schools in grades K-12 to have at least one full-time certified school social worker for every 250 students. It appropriates $2 million for fiscal year 2024 to allow school districts and municipalities to employ additional social workers. The bill would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5396: 16-7.2-6