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HR 7706

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 TO THE UNITED WAY OF RHODE ISLAND FOR THE 2-1-1 HUMAN SERVICES HOTLINE

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

A one-time $500,000 appropriation to United Way of Rhode Island to operate the 2-1-1 hotline for fiscal year 2026-2027.

05/14/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 7706

Overview

This Joint Resolution would authorize a one-time appropriation of $500,000 to the United Way of Rhode Island to support the operation of the 2-1-1 human services hotline for fiscal year 2026-2027.

Purpose and Intent

  • Provide operational funding to sustain and support the 2-1-1 system in Rhode Island.
  • Recognize 2-1-1 as a free, confidential, 24/7 service that connects Rhode Islanders to essential services (housing, child care, healthcare, food, shelter, utilities, tax help, etc.).
  • Highlight the role of 2-1-1 in crisis response (natural disasters and other state emergencies) and its value in informing state departments about evolving community needs through data and community intelligence.

Key Provisions

  • Appropriation amount: $500,000.
  • Recipient: United Way of Rhode Island, a Rhode Island nonprofit corporation.
  • Purpose: To provide operational support for the 2-1-1 system (administered by United Way of Rhode Island).
  • Funding source: Out of any monies in the state treasury not otherwise appropriated.
  • authorized expenditure period: For the fiscal year 2026-2027.
  • Payment mechanism: The State Controller is authorized and directed to draw orders upon the General Treasurer for payment of the appropriation, upon presentation of properly authenticated vouchers.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: Rhode Islanders seeking assistance via the 2-1-1 helpline, including those in crises or needing information on services such as housing, child care, healthcare, food, utilities, and tax help.
  • Operational impact: United Way of Rhode Island would use the funds to maintain and operate the 2-1-1 hotline, including staffing, technology, outreach, and related services.
  • Government/public partners: State agencies may benefit indirectly through improved public access to resources and data about community needs gathered by 2-1-1.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: February 11, 2026.
  • Committee: Referred to House Finance.
  • Action schedule: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration on May 14, 2026 (per action history).
  • Legislative mechanism: A joint resolution making a one-time appropriation, rather than creating ongoing or recurring funding—indicating a targeted, time-bound support for the 2-1-1 program.

Additional Context

  • The bill cites historical operation of 2-1-1 since 2007, its multilingual accessibility, and its role in disaster response and routine referrals.
  • Prior year data referenced highlights substantial demand (e.g., 190,000+ requests in 2023-2024) and the utility of 2-1-1 in coordinating services and informing state departments about community needs.

Summary

This bill proposes a single, non-recurring appropriation of $500,000 to the United Way of Rhode Island to ensure continued operation and effectiveness of the 2-1-1 hotline for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It emphasizes the service’s broad accessibility, role in crisis response, and value as a conduit for connecting residents to essential services while aiding state planning through data gathered via 2-1-1.

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

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