Establishes a twenty-seven (27) member joint commission to study ways to maximize revenue for child welfare and children’s behavioral health services.
Establishes a fund and the operations necessary for a hotline for suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis management. Also instates a monthly surcharge on telephone lines to fund the 988 call center.
Requires DCYF to establish segregated savings account for foster care child receiving SS, SSI, veterans benefits or railroad retirement benefits to manage the accounts and keep child eligible for future benefits.
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.
Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $500,000 to Sojourner House to support its permanent housing development program that provides safe, secure housing to individuals and families fleeing from dangerous situations.
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.
Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States founding on July 4, 2026, specifically within the State of Rhode Island. It encourages citizens, schools, and organizations to participate in events that reflect on American history and the principles of liberty and federalism. Additionally, the bill directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Governor of Rhode Island.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of May 10 through May 16, 2026, as 'National Police Week' in Rhode Island to honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a commemorative resolution to recognize the sacrifices made by police and other officers. The House of Representatives passed the measure, and the Secretary of State is authorized to send copies of the resolution to relevant police organizations and associations.
