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RI H7455
Bill
Status
1/30/2026
Primary Sponsor
Jenni Azanero Furtado
Click for details
AI Summary
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Creates new state categorical funding for student mental and behavioral health services equal to 2% of each district's total expenditures
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Funds must be used to hire and retain school social workers, school counselors, school psychologists, paraprofessionals, behavioral specialists, and registered behavior techs (RBTs)
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Districts must be below industry-recommended staffing ratios to qualify: 1 social worker per 250 students, 1 counselor per 250 students, 1 psychologist per 500 students, or lack full-time behavioral support staff in elementary classrooms
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Districts must maintain policies ensuring students removed from classrooms for escalated behavior receive de-escalation support before returning
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Department of Elementary and Secondary Education must approve fund usage before expenditure, collect performance reports, and ensure funds support new initiatives rather than existing activities
Legislative Description
Mandates additional state education funding for the mental and behavioral health of students equal to 2% of the district’s total expenditures, and require those funds be used to hire staff such as school social workers, and behavioral specialists.
Education
Last Action
Introduced, referred to House Finance
1/30/2026