RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE EDUCATION EQUITY AND PROPERTY TAX, RELIEF ACT
Summary
H7455 amends Rhode Island’s Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act to add a new categorical state aid requirement for student mental and behavioral health. It would require the state to provide additional education funding equal to 2% of each district’s total expenditures, and direct those funds to hiring and retaining staff such as school social workers, school counselors, school psychologists, paraprofessionals, behavioral specialists, and registered behavior technicians (RBTs). The bill ties eligibility to staffing shortages or unmet service ratios, compliance with school improvement team requirements, and district policies that provide de-escalation support before students return to class after behavioral removals.
The bill also requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to review performance reports, approve the use of funds before they are spent, and ensure the money is used for new or expanded services rather than replacing existing district spending. In effect, it expands the list of state-funded categorical education expenses under the permanent foundation education-aid program and adds a new, targeted funding stream for school-based behavioral health services. The act would take effect immediately upon passage.
Impact
This bill would amend § 16-7.2-6 of the Rhode Island General Laws, which governs categorical programs funded through the permanent foundation education-aid program. It would create a new state funding obligation for district mental and behavioral health services, set eligibility and use restrictions for that aid, and give the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education oversight authority over reporting and approval of expenditures. The bill would affect school districts statewide, especially those below recommended staffing ratios or lacking full-time behavioral support staff, and would likely increase state education spending while limiting districts’ discretion over how the categorical funds are used.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and caption, the measure appears broadly supportive of student mental health and school staffing needs, with a policy focus on expanding services in schools. There is no recorded committee transcript or vote history in the provided materials, so no formal opposition or support from legislators can be identified from debate. The overall framing suggests a positive, service-oriented bill aimed at addressing staffing shortages and student behavioral needs.
Contention
The main points of contention likely concern the fiscal mandate and administrative controls. Requiring funding equal to 2% of district expenditures could be viewed as a significant state cost, and districts may question whether the staffing ratios and eligibility conditions are practical or sufficiently flexible. The bill also limits spending to new or expanded services and requires departmental approval before funds are used, which could be seen as necessary accountability by supporters but as burdensome oversight by critics. No specific opposing or supporting lawmakers are identified in the provided record.
Amends the Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act to set the regionalization bonus at 2% of the state's share of foundation education aid for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2025, and for each year thereafter.
Amends the term "extraordinary costs" for the purposes of excess costs associated with special education students. The new definition of extraordinary costs would be educational costs that are over 3 times the average statewide special education cost.
Amends State funding calculations for special education, revising extraordinary cost calculations for FY 2027-2028, and providing additional funds for excess costs when special education students move into a district after the budget is approved.
Removes language that requires the department of elementary and secondary education to prorate funds to school districts in certain situations and eliminate funding for certain programs.