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HR 7708

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $2,700,000 TO BE USED FOR MATERNAL HEALTH IMPROVEMENT AND EQUITY

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lauren Carson

Rhode Island would permanently appropriate $2.7 million annually starting FY2026 to fund maternal health data, workplace development, community access grants, and advisory council

05/14/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 7708

Overview

  • Bill: HR 7708 (Joint Resolution)
  • Session: Rhode Island 2026
  • Purpose: Make an appropriation of $2,700,000 to be used for maternal health improvement and equity
  • Primary sponsor: Representative Lauren H. Carson (co-sponsor listed)
  • Referred to: House Finance
  • Introduced: February 11, 2026
  • Status: Scheduled for hearing/consideration (Action History: May 11, 2026; next hearing May 14, 2026)

Main Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution seeks to provide a dedicated, ongoing annual appropriation of $2.7 million beginning FY 2026 and continuing annually.
  • The funds are intended to support maternal health improvement and equity initiatives within the Rhode Island Department of Health.

Key Provisions and Allocation Details

The $2,700,000 appropriation is allocated as follows:

  1. $750,000 for the maternal health data and surveillance unit established pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws § 23-13.9-4.
  2. $1,200,000 for the workplace development program established pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws § 23-13.9-5.
  3. $600,000 for community maternal health access grants established pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws § 23-13.9-6.
  4. $150,000 for advisory council operations, community engagement, and reporting.
  • The state controller is authorized and directed to draw warrants on the general treasurer for the payment of the appropriated sums, or portions as needed, upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Rhode Island Department of Health would administer the funds and oversee programs related to maternal health improvement and equity.
  • The specific programs affected:
    • Maternal health data and surveillance unit
    • Workplace development program
    • Community maternal health access grants
    • Advisory council operations, including community engagement and reporting activities
  • Beneficiaries likely include:
    • Pregnant individuals and mothers in Rhode Island (directly through access grants and programs)
    • Employers and workplaces participating in development programs
    • Communities and organizations applying for access grants
    • Stakeholders engaging with the advisory council and reporting mechanisms

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Funding amount is set for FY 2026-2027 and to be appropriated annually thereafter, sourced from money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year.
  • Allocation categories align with existing statutory programs under § 23-13.9-4, -5, and -6, indicating a structured continuation within the Department of Health’s maternal health initiatives.
  • The resolution directs the annual budgeting process and requires voucher-based disbursement, subject to standard government accounting and auditing procedures.
  • Next step in the legislative process: hearing and/or consideration scheduled for May 14, 2026, following initial introduction and referral to the House Finance committee.

Potential Impact

  • Provides stable funding to advance maternal health surveillance, workplace-focused development, community access to maternal health services, and governance/community engagement around maternal health equity.
  • Aims to improve data-driven decision-making, workforce capacity, and equitable access to maternal health resources in Rhode Island.
  • Enhances transparency and accountability through an advisory council and reporting requirements tied to the funded initiatives.

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

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