Rhode Island § 16-7-19 - Foundation Level School Support [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 16-7-19 — Foundation Level School Support [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act], with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-7-19. Foundation Level School Support [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-7-19
§ 16-7-19. Computation of standard local tax rate.
(a) The standard local tax rate required to support the basic program shall be forty percent (40%).
(b) The statewide local tax rate to be used in calculating each community’s share under § 16-7-20 shall be fifty percent (50%).
(c) Fifty percent (50%) of the difference resulting from the difference between the rate presented in subsection (a) and the rate presented in subsection (b) shall be used in accordance with § 16-5-31 and fifty percent (50%) of the difference shall be allocated annually by the general assembly, upon recommendation of the commissioner and the board of regents for elementary and secondary education, for one or more of the programs listed in § 16-69-2.
(d) The state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her order upon the general treasurer for the payment of those sums or any portions of those sums as may be required from time to time upon receipt by the controller of properly authenticated vouchers.
(e) If the sums appropriated are not sufficient to implement subsections (a), (b), and (c) of this section, then the amount appropriated shall first be utilized to implement subsection (b) of this section. If the sums are not sufficient, then the amount shall be ratably reduced. Amounts remaining after full funding of subsection (b) of this section shall be apportioned among school districts for the purpose of subsection (c) of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1960, ch. 27, § 5; P.L. 1964, ch. 242, art. 7, § 1; P.L. 1967, ch. 160, § 3;
P.L. 1980, ch. 152, § 5; P.L. 1984, ch. 245, art. XII, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 182, §§
5, 6; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 84; P.L. 1988, ch. 336, § 10; P.L. 1989, ch. 126, art.
35, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 65, art. 31, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 6, art. 21, § 1; P.L. 1991,
ch. 44, art. 39, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 43, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 70, art. 15,
§ 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 86, § 31.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 16-7-19
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 16-7-19 cover?
Section 16-7-19 ("Foundation Level School Support [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 16-7-19?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 16-7-19" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 16-7-19 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.