WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 7320

AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- THE RHODE ISLAND WORKS PROGRAM

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Julie Casimiro and 9 co-sponsors

HB 7320 broadens Rhode Island Works childcare by expanding eligibility, adding sliding-scale costs, removing mandatory paternity cooperation, and including educators and higher-ed

05/14/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 7320

Summary of HB 7320 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Purpose and intent

HB 7320 seeks to modify the Rhode Island Works Program by adjusting childcare assistance rules and related eligibility requirements. The bill aims to clarify and expand access to childcare for participants in the program and for additional working families, while removing a specific consent/ cooperation requirement related to paternity and child support for eligibility.

Key provisions and changes

  • Childcare eligibility and who qualifies (40-5.2-20):

    • The Department of Human Services (DHS) must provide appropriate childcare to:
    • Any participant eligible for cash assistance who needs childcare to meet work requirements.
    • Other working families with incomes at or below 261% of the federal poverty level (FPL if childcare is needed to work), with additional provisions for those under 261% who participate in short-term training or job-readiness programs.
    • Historical income thresholds and temporary enhancements are retained and clarified, including:
    • Prior provision (January 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022) for families below 180% FPL to assist enrollment in Rhode Island public higher education, with a $200,000 expenditure cap.
    • Extensions through 2024 for assistance to families below 200% FPL for higher education enrollment.
    • Beginning January 1, 2025, reinstatement of childcare assistance for families below 261% FPL to enroll in public higher education.
    • The department must consider cost, suitability, and parental preference when determining the type of childcare.

  • Income and cost-sharing (subsections f–h):

    • Free childcare for families below 100% FPL.
    • Sliding-fee scale for families between 100% and 200% FPL, with charges not to exceed 7% of income.
    • Families transitioning from 261% to above 261% FPL can continue receiving assistance until incomes reach 300% FPL, provided they pay a sliding scale fee and meet all eligibility standards.

  • Resource limits (subsection c):

    • No eligibility for childcare assistance if liquid resources exceed $1,000,000, defined to exclude certain accounts (e.g., retirement or educational savings) and joint accounts subject to rules.

  • Support enforcement and paternity (subsection d):

    • The bill would remove the requirement that a parent/caretaker cooperate with establishing paternity and child support orders as a condition of eligibility for childcare assistance. Voluntary participation in child support services remains available but is not mandatory for eligibility.

  • Definition and scope of appropriate childcare (subsection e):

    • Childcare includes infant, toddler, preschool, nursery, and school-age care provided by DHS-approved providers.

  • Special provisions for reservists (subsection j):

    • For members of reserve components called to active duty during conflict, family composition and income are frozen at the pre-deployment month.

  • Childcare educators/staff funding (subsection k):

    • From Aug 1, 2023, to July 31, 2028, DHS will fund childcare for eligible educators and staff working at least 20 hours/week in licensed centers or homes.
    • Eligibility up to 300% FPL with no copayments.
    • States will collect data and report annual demand to the Governor and General Assembly (due by November 1 each year).

Affected parties

  • Primary recipients: Current and potential recipients of Rhode Island Works childcare assistance, including families with varying income levels up to 261% FPL (and transitional provisions above/below this threshold in specific periods).
  • Childcare providers: Licensed centers and family childcare homes, as DHS funds and oversees eligibility and payments.
  • Higher education students: Families may access assistance to enroll or maintain enrollment in Rhode Island public higher education institutions under certain income thresholds.
  • Child support services: Voluntary participation remains available; mandatory cooperation for eligibility would be removed.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: The act takes effect upon passage.
  • Administrative rules: DHS would promulgate necessary rules and regulations to implement new provisions, including the liquid asset cap and sliding-fee scale.
  • Reporting: Annual reporting deadline (November 1) for the demand data related to public funding for childcare educators and staff.

Overall, HB 7320 modernizes and broadens access to subsidized childcare for working families, clarifies higher education-related provisions, and removes a mandatory paternity/child-support cooperation requirement for eligibility.

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

Sign in to ask a question.