Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7320

Introduced
1/23/26  

Caption

Removes the requirement that families consent to, and cooperate with the department of human services in establishing paternity and enforcing child and medical support orders as a condition of eligibility for child care assistance.

Impact

The proposed amendment is likely to have significant implications for state laws governing child care assistance programs. By eliminating the cooperation requirement, it could potentially increase the number of families eligible for such assistance, consequently enhancing the employability of many parents and guardians. This change aligns with an ongoing effort to better support low-income families, allowing them to focus on their employment without the added concern of meeting conditions that may be difficult to satisfy.

Summary

House Bill 7320 seeks to amend the provisions of the Rhode Island Works Program regarding eligibility for child care assistance. Specifically, the bill removes the requirement that families consent to and cooperate with the Department of Human Services in establishing paternity and enforcing medical and child support orders as a condition for receiving child care assistance. This change is intended to make assistance more accessible to families who may face barriers to compliance with these requirements, thereby facilitating their ability to maintain employment and support their children effectively.

Contention

However, the removal of these requirements may raise concerns among some stakeholders. Advocates for child support enforcement may argue that the lack of cooperation could hinder efforts to ensure that non-custodial parents fulfill their financial responsibilities, which can impact child welfare. The bill's supporters contend that the goal is to provide immediate support to families in need without punitive measures that could penalize those facing legitimate challenges. This tension between support and enforcement could become a focal point of legislative debate as the bill progresses.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0062

Removes the requirement that families consent to, and cooperate with the department of human services in establishing paternity and enforcing child and medical support orders as a condition of eligibility for child care assistance.

RI H5197

Removes the requirement that families consent to, and cooperate with the department of human services in establishing paternity and enforcing child and medical support orders as a condition of eligibility for child care assistance.

RI S0802

Requires the department of human services to provide childcare assistance to families, including those served through DCYF, who meet the requirements of a protective services category as defined in CFR 98.20 (a)(3)(ii).

RI H5281

Creates the Rhode Island Childcare Assistance Program that governs both family eligibility for the state’s childcare subsidy program and expands eligibility for the program to meet the federal eligibility benchmark.

RI S0240

Creates the Rhode Island Childcare Assistance Program that governs both family eligibility for the state’s childcare subsidy program and expands eligibility for the program to meet the federal eligibility benchmark.

RI H5995

Provides a three thousand dollar ($3,000) stipend to a qualified applicant who successfully completes the job training program of the department of human services or department of children, youth and families.

RI S0866

Provides a three thousand dollar ($3,000) stipend to a qualified applicant who successfully completes the job training program of the department of human services or department of children, youth and families.

RI H5321

Establishes the Rhode Island Child Care for All Act which would provide high quality and affordable child care to families throughout the state.

RI H5196

Eliminates the sunset on the provision of finding for child care for eligible child care educators and child care staff.

RI S0100

Eliminates the sunset on the provision of finding for child care for eligible child care educators and child care staff.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.