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HB 7462

AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM COPAYMENTS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Julie Casimiro and 8 co-sponsors

The bill standardizes CCAP copayments on a sliding scale with a 7% income cap to expand zero- and low-cost care, improving affordability and access.

05/14/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HB 7462

Overview

HB 7462 (Rhode Island, 2026) would reform the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) copayments by codifying a sliding-fee scale, expanding zero-copay allowances, and adjusting the copayment cap to align with federal guidance. The bill aims to reduce financial barriers to child care while preserving program sustainability.

Main purpose and intent

  • Codify and standardize CCAP family copayments on a sliding scale based on income and family size.
  • Expand zero-copay eligibility to families with income at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
  • Reduce copayment amounts for working families and ensure copays do not exceed 7% of family income, with flexibility to adjust for higher incomes under regulation.
  • Align Rhode Island policy with federal CCDBG requirements enacted or finalized through 2024, which emphasize affordability and minimizing barriers to access.

Key provisions and changes

  • Establishment of 40-6.7, a new chapter: Child Care Assistance Program Copayments.
  • Copayment basis:
    • Calculated from family income and size, not from the cost of care or subsidy amount.
    • Must be affordable and not a barrier to participation.
    • Cap: copayments cannot exceed 7% of a family’s annual income, regardless of the number of children.
  • Sliding fee scale (example structure):
    • 0% for incomes at or below 125% FPL.
    • 2% for incomes above 125% up to 150% FPL.
    • 4% for incomes above 150% up to 200% FPL.
    • 6% for incomes above 200% up to 300% FPL.
  • Waivers (subsection d): DHS may waive all or part of copayments for families meeting certain criteria (e.g., foster/kinship care, homelessness, disabled child, Head Start participation, or other categories permitted under federal CCDF rules).
  • Higher-income categories (subsection e): DHS may establish additional copayment categories for incomes above 300% FPL, but no copayment may exceed the 7% cap.
  • Ongoing review (subsection f): DHS must periodically review the scale for federal compliance and affordability and report recommended statutory changes to the General Assembly.
  • Effective date: The act takes effect upon passage.

Who is affected

  • CCAP-eligible families in Rhode Island, particularly:
    • Families with income up to 125% FPL: eligible for zero copay.
    • Families up to 150% FPL: 2% copay.
    • Families up to 200% FPL: 4% copay.
    • Families up to 300% FPL: 6% copay.
    • Families above 300% FPL: potential future categories, subject to regulation, but capped at 7%.
  • Department of Human Services (DHS), which would administer, adjust, and periodically review the copayment schedule and provide waivers as allowed.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Referred to House Finance after introduction on January 30, 2026.
  • Scheduled for hearing/consideration on May 14, 2026 (as of action history).
  • Continues to require regular DHS review and potential statutory recommendations back to the General Assembly.

Potential impact

  • Increased affordability and access to child care for low- and moderate-income families.
  • Greater alignment with federal CCDBG requirements to prevent copays from being a barrier.
  • Administrative changes for DHS to monitor affordability and update policies through regulation and annual or periodic reviews.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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