Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7687

Introduced

2/11/26

Refer

2/11/26

Caption

Exempts individual retirement accounts as a countable resource for public assistance. This act also prohibits the state as a creditor against an ABLE account in the event of death of a beneficiary.

Impact

The passing of H7687 would alter the landscape of public assistance in Rhode Island, specifically shaping the eligibility criteria for residents applying for general public assistance. By excluding retirement accounts from the resource calculation, the bill seeks to encourage savings behavior among individuals while ensuring that they still have access to necessary assistance during times of financial hardship. This could potentially lead to an increased number of applicants being eligible for support, improving their overall financial stability without penalizing their retirement planning efforts.

Summary

House Bill H7687 aims to amend the Public Assistance Act in Rhode Island by exempting individual retirement accounts from being considered a countable resource for public assistance eligibility. This change is significant as it allows individuals with retirement savings to seek public assistance without those savings affecting their eligibility. The bill emphasizes the need for providing support to vulnerable populations while acknowledging their efforts in saving for retirement.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding H7687 include debates about the implications of exempting retirement accounts. Some legislators may argue this exemption could encourage individuals to rely more heavily on public assistance programs instead of personal savings. Conversely, advocates for the bill argue that the structure of retirement savings should not penalize individuals from accessing necessary support. The discussion may also touch upon the balance between personal responsibility and state support, especially for those facing financial emergencies.

Final_note

Moreover, the bill also addresses protections for ABLE accounts, stating that the state cannot act as a creditor against these accounts upon the death of a beneficiary. This protects the financial interests of individuals with disabilities by ensuring that their savings are preserved for their intended purposes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0332

Exempts individual retirement accounts as a countable resource for public assistance. This act also prohibits the state as a creditor against an ABLE account in the event of death of a beneficiary.

RI H5973

Prohibits the state from seeking reimbursement for expenditures made on behalf of disabled Rhode Islanders from an ABLE account after death of the designated beneficiary.

RI S0731

Prohibits the state from seeking reimbursement for expenditures made on behalf of disabled Rhode Islanders from an ABLE account after death of the designated beneficiary.

RI H5724

Prohibits state or municipality from contracts to detain individuals for civil immigration violations, and if such contract exists, it must end by July 1, 2026 and prohibits using public resources to detain those individuals.

RI S0734

Prohibits sale and possession of assault weapons, as defined and would provide certain exemptions to include law enforcement officers and those individuals legally in possession of any such firearm at the time of passage of this act.

RI S0777

Requires that present and former employees, active and retired members, and beneficiaries receiving any retirement, disability or death allowance receive a $2,000 increase per year.

RI S0263

Requires coverage for acute mental health crisis mobile response and stabilization services to eligible individuals enrolled as plan beneficiaries.

RI H6118

Requires coverage for acute mental health crisis mobile response and stabilization services to eligible individuals enrolled as plan beneficiaries.

RI S0566

Provides for a cause of action against an individual or entity that prohibits the possession of firearms on real property, except residences, by an individual that is authorized and licensed to carry a firearm.

RI H5773

Provides that shared living for older adults and adults with disabilities allow individuals to receive care from family caregivers, related or unrelated regardless of whether they are performing other activities, such as power of attorney for individual.