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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dick Fascia and 3 co-sponsors

The bill requires every RIWP cash-assisted family that qualifies to also enroll in SNAP.

05/14/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study

Summary of HB 7394 (Rhode Island, 2026 Session)

Purpose and Intent

This bill amends the Rhode Island Works Program (RIWP) to explicitly require that families eligible for cash assistance also be enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) if qualified.

The act is effective upon passage.

Key Provisions and Changes

Cash Assistance Eligibility and Duration (40-5.2-11)

A family or assistance unit meeting RIWP eligibility criteria qualifies to receive cash assistance starting on the date a signed, written application (under penalty of perjury) is received by the Department.
Cash assistance continues as long as the family remains eligible under the chapter.
Parents and adult non-parent caretaker relatives receiving cash assistance must meet the work requirements outlined in § 40-5.2-12. An adult caretaker relative remains eligible if they meet all eligibility requirements.

Cash Assistance Amount (Section 40-5.2-11(e))

The monthly cash assistance payment is the payment standard for the family minus the family’s countable income for that month.
The department may prorate the first month’s benefit to reflect the days between the month’s start and the application’s effective date.
The stated baseline payment standard is:
- $510 for the first person (with a reduced amount of $445 if the family resides in subsidized housing)
- $191 for the second person
- $164 for the third person
- $125 for each additional person

SNAP Enrollment (Section 40-5.2-11(f))

Eligible families receiving RIWP cash assistance shall, if otherwise qualified, be enrolled in SNAP pursuant to Rhode Island law.

Administration and Timing

The decision on a cash assistance application must be made or rejected within 30 days of submission, effective as of the application date.

Affected Parties and Impacts

Affecting: Rhode Island families/assistance units applying for or receiving RIWP cash assistance; adult caretakers; households in subsidized housing.

Impact on Benefits:

Clarifies and formalizes the requirement to enroll in SNAP for eligible cash-assisted families.
Establishes a specific monthly cash assistance payment schedule and the potential for proration in the first month.
Keeps work requirements in place for adult participants in cash assistance.

Operational Impact:

Departments must process applications within 30 days.
Coordination with SNAP program administration to ensure enrollment where eligible.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Effective Date: Upon passage.

Application Processing: 30-day determinations for cash assistance eligibility.

Enrollment Timeline: SNAP enrollment is triggered for eligible RIWP recipients, subject to standard SNAP qualification.

Administrative Considerations

This bill is sponsored by Representatives Place, Santucci, Fascia, and Hopkins, with co-sponsors Fascia, Place, Hopkins, and Santucci.

Referred to the House Finance Committee; scheduled for hearing/consideration in May 2026.

Note on Implementation

While the bill sets forth eligibility, payment standards, and SNAP enrollment, actual implementation will require coordination between the Rhode Island Department of Human Services and the SNAP administering agency to ensure seamless enrollment and accurate benefit calculation.