It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows

SECTION 1. Chapter 16-64 of the General Laws entitled "Residence of Children for School Purposes" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

{ADD 16-64-9. Reimbursement and payment of educational costs. -- ADD} {ADD The board of regents, after consultation with DCYF, the office of Child Advocate, the Rhode Island School Committee Association, MHRH, and other affected groups and individuals shall promulgate rules and regulations to govern the reimbursement and payment of educational costs for children placed by DCYF and MHRH in group homes, child care facilities, residential treatment programs, and similar placements. These regulations shall protect the educational rights of students, be fair to communities, and be designed to minimize litigation and disputes while maximizing efficiency and economy. The board of regents may authorize the commissioner to make deductions from sums payable under general laws 16-7-15, et seq. in order to facilitate balancing of accounts and the prompt payment of bills. ADD}

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.