Bill > H5977

This bill removes several key provisions related to prorating educational funds and funding for certain categorical programs in Rhode Island's education funding system. Specifically, the bill eliminates language that previously required the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to proportionally reduce funds to school districts when the total approved costs for reimbursement exceed the appropriated budget in several areas, including special education excess costs, career and technical education, out-of-district non-public school transportation, regional school district transportation, and regionalization bonuses. The bill also removes a provision that outlined funding for categorical programs through a specific transition plan. By removing these prorating requirements, the bill potentially changes how educational funding will be distributed and managed, potentially giving the department more flexibility in allocating funds or signaling a shift in how educational funding will be approached. The bill will take effect immediately upon passage, meaning its changes would be implemented right away in the state's educational funding framework.

Budget and Finance

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