2021 -- S 0215

========

LC001078

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

____________

A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- RESIDENCE OF CHILDREN FOR SCHOOL PURPOSES

     Introduced By: Senator Roger Picard

     Date Introduced: February 10, 2021

     Referred To: Senate Education

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 16-64-5 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-64 entitled "Residence

of Children for School Purposes" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     16-64-5. Children under care and control of state agency. Children under care and

control of state agency - Transportation costs.

     In cases where the director of a Rhode Island state agency considers it likely that a child

under his or her care and control will be subject to a short term placement or series of short term

placements, the director may petition the commissioner of elementary and secondary education to

designate the child's original city or town of residence as having continuing responsibility for the

child's education. This designation shall be effective for period not greater than two (2) months

unless an extension is granted by the commissioner. In cases where the department of children,

youth and families has determined that it is in the child's best interest to remain in the school in

which the child is enrolled at the time of placement, the department of elementary and secondary

education and the department of children, youth and families shall each pay fifty percent (50%) of

the out-of-district transportation costs for the aforesaid child. Nothing contained in this section shall

be construed to prohibit any school system from providing transportation for the child without

charge. Disputes under this section including disputes relating to transportation shall be resolved

in accordance with § 16-64-6.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

========

LC001078

========

LC001078 - Page 2 of 3

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- RESIDENCE OF CHILDREN FOR SCHOOL PURPOSES

***

     This act would require the department of elementary and secondary education and the

department of children, youth and families to each pay fifty percent (50%) of the out-of-district

transportation costs for children allowed to remain in the school where the child is enrolled at the

time of placement.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

========

LC001078

========

LC001078 - Page 3 of 3