Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7627

Introduced
2/11/26  

Caption

Permits extended early intervention services for children with developmental disabilities whose third birthday is between May 1 and August 31.

Impact

If enacted, H7627 is expected to modify existing statutes under the Rhode Island General Laws concerning maternal and child health services for children with special health care needs. By allowing a grace period for children transitioning from early intervention services to school-based services, the bill seeks to enhance service continuity, ensuring that children start school with necessary supports already in place. This approach is in line with federal provisions that some other states have adopted, highlighting a trend towards increased parental choice and program flexibility in managing early childhood education and support services.

Summary

House Bill H7627 aims to extend early intervention services for children with developmental disabilities past their third birthday. Specifically, the bill permits children whose third birthday falls between May 1 and August 31 to continue receiving these vital services through September 1. The legislation is aligned with findings that early intervention can significantly improve children's educational outcomes and reduce future costs related to special education. It is also designed to minimize service gaps that can occur during the transition to early childhood special education plans.

Contention

The bill may stir discussions on resource allocation and potential amendments required to existing healthcare coverage, as it calls for private health insurers to cover these extended services. Some stakeholders may express concerns regarding the feasibility of implementing such extended services without adequate funding and resources, as it could necessitate increased operational costs for service providers. Moreover, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and the development of appropriate administrative frameworks will be critical in the assessment and approval of this bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5164

Establishes a task force managed by the children’s cabinet to develop recommendations to improve access to early intervention and early childhood special education services.

RI S0231

Establishes a task force managed by the children’s cabinet to develop recommendations to improve access to early intervention and early childhood special education services.

RI S0247

Provides that the early intervention program for developmentally disabled infants be under the jurisdiction of the executive office of health and human services (EOHHS).

RI H5462

Provides that the early intervention program for developmentally disabled infants be under the jurisdiction of the executive office of health and human services (EOHHS).

RI S0460

Expands the DCYF powers by overseeing and administer comprehensive behavioral health services for children with serious emotional disturbances and children with developmental or functional disabilities.

RI H5718

Expands the DCYF powers by overseeing and administer comprehensive behavioral health services for children with serious emotional disturbances and children with developmental or functional disabilities.

RI S0394

Establishes guidelines for the expansion of high-quality public prekindergarten education programs for children ages three (3) and four (4) to increase children’s school readiness.

RI H5497

Requires EOHHS to develop a budget and seek funding to establish an early childhood mental health hub program to improve access to infant and early childhood mental health services for children under six (6) years and their families.

RI S0344

Requires EOHHS to develop a budget and seek funding to establish an early childhood mental health hub program to improve access to infant and early childhood mental health services for children under six (6) years and their families.

RI H5347

Provides that all extended benefits offered by DCYF to foster children shall be extended to children placed in guardianship.

Similar Bills

RI S2834

Permits extended early intervention services for children with developmental disabilities whose third birthday is between May 1 and August 31.

RI S0247

Provides that the early intervention program for developmentally disabled infants be under the jurisdiction of the executive office of health and human services (EOHHS).

RI H5462

Provides that the early intervention program for developmentally disabled infants be under the jurisdiction of the executive office of health and human services (EOHHS).

NJ S294

Requires certain school districts and DOE to address chronic absenteeism.

RI S2785

Updates the description of the early intervention program and the agency responsible for the program under Part C of the federal Individuals with disabilities education act.

NJ A2456

Establishes programs to address needs of toddlers and certain children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

NJ A2581

Permits children age three through five to receive early intervention services under certain circumstances.

NY K01204

Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 2026, as Early Intervention Awareness Month in the State of New York