Rhode Island House Bill H6113

Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/3/23
• Refer: 3/3/23

Caption

The Education Equity And Property Tax Relief Act

Impact

If passed, this bill will have substantial implications for how education is funded in the state. By incorporating additional costs associated with special education into the funding formula, school districts may receive more appropriate financial support that better reflects their needs, potentially leading to enhanced educational services for students with disabilities. Furthermore, the focus on high-need students, particularly families below the federal poverty guidelines, aims to bridge funding gaps and ensure that educational equity is fostered across schools in Rhode Island.

Summary

House Bill H6113, known as the Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act, seeks to amend existing laws governing education funding in Rhode Island. Specifically, the bill modifies the foundation education aid structure to enhance financial support for high-need students, including those with intellectual disabilities. It aims to align state funding with the actual costs of education, particularly noting that special education costs should be included in the calculation of direct state aid to school districts. This change reflects a growing recognition of the financial challenges that schools face in educating diverse learner populations.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits, discussions around H6113 may encounter opposition from budgetary conservatives who are concerned about the increased financial burden on the state budget. There are worries that higher funding for special education and high-need students could divert resources from other critical educational areas. Additionally, the implementation of a new poverty measure to assess funding allocation could lead to debates about its accuracy and fairness, particularly among districts with varying socioeconomic demographics.