State Rep. looks to nix 'Caruolo Act'

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- A state Representative is pushing a bill that would restore budget and spending control to town councils.

State Rep. Patricia Morgan (R - West Warwick) introduced a bill that would repeal the so-called "Caruolo Act," which would give town councils control over their education budgets.

The Caruolo Act was originally enacted in 1995, and it allowed local school committees to sue their municipalities for additional funds in budget or funding disputes.

Related: Nesi: Get up to speed on the Caruolo Act

New legislation calls for city or town council ratification of collective bargaining agreements and employment contracts with school committees. It would also restore the Commissioner of Education as the arbiter of disputes between town councils and school committees.

"This legislation is a modest and reasonable solution to the conflict many of our school committees and town councils are experiencing," said Morgan. "It's a win-win for all involved, and enactment will go a long way toward improving relationships between our school committees and city and town councils."

Hearings on Morgan's legislation have been scheduled for Tuesday, February 26 at the State House.