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HR 8610

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN OFFICE OF THE ELDER ADVOCATE

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stephen Casey and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island may create an Office of the Elder Advocate to protect and promote rights and services for residents 60+, pending a final study and recommendations.

06/03/2026 Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 8610

Summary of Bill: HR 8610 (Rhode Island, 2026)

What this bill does

  • Establishes a special legislative commission to study whether Rhode Island should create an Office of the Elder Advocate.
  • The commission would analyze need, feasibility, structure, powers, funding, staffing, and the legal framework necessary to establish such an office.
  • Requires a final report with findings and recommendations to the Rhode Island House of Representatives by March 15, 2027, and the commission would expire on June 15, 2027.

Main purpose and intent

  • To determine whether Rhode Island should establish an Office of the Elder Advocate to promote and protect the rights, dignity, and well-being of residents aged 60 and older.
  • Address gaps in advocacy, legal assistance, and services for older adults, including issues like age discrimination, financial exploitation, housing, benefits access, guardianship, and health care.

Key provisions and requirements

  • Creation of a 13-member Commission, with diverse expertise and public representatives, including:
    • 3 House of Representatives members (no more than two from the same party)
    • 1 member from the Rhode Island Bar Association with elder law/guardianship experience
    • 1 Dean of a law school (Roger Williams University) or designee
    • 1 representative from the RI Office of the Attorney General with consumer protection, disability rights, or Medicaid/Medicare fraud experience
    • 1 executive director from the RI Chapter of AARP (or designee)
    • 1 executive director from the Senior Agenda Coalition of RI (or designee)
    • 1 Rhode Island Long-Term Care Ombudsman (or designee)
    • 1 representative from a long-term care or aging services provider (appointed by the House Speaker)
    • 2 RI residents aged 60+ (appointed by the Speaker)
    • 1 representative from the RI League of Cities and Towns (or designee)
  • In lieu of a legislator, a member of the general public may be appointed to serve on the commission.
  • Scope of study includes:
    • Unmet legal needs of older adults in RI
    • Existing advocacy and complaint-resolution systems at state, federal, and local levels
    • Guardianship and probate issues
    • Authority, autonomy, capacity, and independence of state agencies in addressing systemic elder concerns
    • Proposed duties, powers, jurisdiction, staffing, reporting, and resource needs for an Office of the Elder Advocate
    • Comparative models from other states or jurisdictions
    • Legislative recommendations necessary to establish the Office, if appropriate
  • Operations:
    • Commission to meet soon after passage; elect a chair from among legislative members
    • Vacancies filled in the same manner as initial appointments
    • Members receive no compensation
    • State agencies must provide necessary information and assistance to the commission
    • The Speaker of the House to provide suitable meeting quarters

Who would be affected

  • Older Rhode Island residents (60+) who may benefit from future advocacy structures.
  • State agencies and offices involved in elder services, protection, and benefits.
  • Legal and aging-services community, including lawyers, ombudspersons, consumer protection entities, and aging organizations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: June 3, 2026.
  • Commission formation and organization: to occur promptly after passage; chair elected from legislative members.
  • Reporting deadline: March 15, 2027.
  • Commission expiration: June 15, 2027.
  • No funding or compensation allocated to commission members; relies on state departments for information and facilities.

Potential impact (beyond the bill)

  • If the Commission recommends establishing an Office of the Elder Advocate, Rhode Island could implement a new state office dedicated to elder rights, protection from abuse, and access to services.
  • Could lead to legislative changes governing elder care, guardianship processes, and accessibility of benefits for older adults.
  • Serves as a framework for evaluating whether a centralized advocate position would improve coordination across agencies and providers for Rhode Island’s aging population.

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

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