Rep. Teresa Tanzi

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $500,000 in state funding to the Rhode Island Parent Information Network (RIPIN), a nonprofit organization that provides support to families navigating special education, healthcare, and aging services. The funding is designated for fiscal year 2027 and will be used to sustain RIPIN's peer-led programs, which include individualized family support, health insurance assistance, and community resources for parents and caregivers. As Rhode Island's federally designated parent training and information center, RIPIN serves thousands of families annually through workshops, online content, and direct consultations with state agencies. The resolution authorizes the state controller to release funds from the general treasury upon receipt of proper documentation.

Establishes a twenty-seven (27) member joint commission to study ways to maximize revenue for child welfare and children’s behavioral health services.

Creates the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Survivor Services Fund in Rhode Island to provide state funding for nonprofit organizations that deliver direct services to survivors of domestic violence.

Removes the requirement that families consent to, and cooperate with the department of human services in establishing paternity and enforcing child and medical support orders as a condition of eligibility for child care assistance.

Eliminates the sunset on the provision of funding, modify eligibility requirement to 85% of state median income and expand funding to at least 20 hours per week.

Maddy summaryHB 7393, the "Rhode Island Childcare Is Essential Act," expands eligibility for childcare assistance to families with incomes at or below 85% of the state median income, aligning with federal guidelines. This change directly affects low-income families with children under 12 who need childcare to work, attend job training, or enroll in college. The bill requires the Department of Human Services to provide free childcare for families at or below 100% of the federal poverty level and a sliding fee scale (capping at 7% of income) for others. It also maintains a $1 million liquid assets limit for eligibility and emphasizes meeting federal "equal access" standards for childcare rates.

Codifies child care copayments in law, expand zero copays to families under 125% FPL, lower costs for working families, and cap most copayments at 6% while preserving a 7% statutory maximum.

Prohibits the state from seeking reimbursement for expenditures made on behalf of disabled Rhode Islanders from an ABLE account after the death of the designated beneficiary.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes $10 million in funding for Rhode Island's Community Health Worker Initiative, administered by the Department of Health. It directly affects community health workers and the programs they support across the state. The key provision is a one-time appropriation to expand or sustain these workforce programs, which connect residents with health resources in underserved areas. The bill was introduced to the House Finance Committee on February 27, 2026, and remains pending.

Amends current law so that private side lead service replacement costs, financed by the water supplier's customers that may be eligible for reimbursement from the state, would no longer be subject to appropriation by the general assembly.