Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H8255

Introduced

3/6/26

Refer

3/6/26

Caption

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $200,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND FREE CLINIC (Appropriates the sum of $200,000 to the Rhode Island Free Clinic.)

Impact

If enacted, this funding would significantly bolster the operational capabilities of the Rhode Island Free Clinic in serving underserved populations. The appropriation is particularly crucial given the ongoing challenges faced by low-income individuals in accessing affordable healthcare. Enhancing the clinic's resources could lead to improved health outcomes for the community, providing vital services that are otherwise unavailable to those without insurance.

Summary

House Bill 8255 proposes a budgetary appropriation of $200,000 to the Rhode Island Free Clinic, which provides essential health services to uninsured adults who cannot afford medical care. Introduced by Representatives Diaz and Slater, the bill emphasizes the clinic's mission to cater to individuals lacking health insurance while functioning as a training site for healthcare professionals. The funding aims to enhance the clinic's capability to deliver comprehensive medical care and preventive health services to those in need.

Contention

During the discussions surrounding H8255, there were mentions of budget constraints and the need to prioritize state spending. While many legislators support the clinic's mission, some expressed concerns about allocating funds to specific organizations when other pressing needs may also be vying for financial assistance. This led to a broader debate about state funding priorities and the best strategies for addressing healthcare disparities within the state.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0421

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $1,000,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND FOOD BANK (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $450,000 to the Rhode Island Food Bank.)

RI H6017

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $450,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND FOOD BANK (This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $450,000 to the Rhode Island Food Bank.)

RI H6020

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $32,594,799 TO THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC TRANSIT AUTHORITY (Appropriates the sum of $32,594,799 to the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority.)

RI S1049

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $100,000 FOR THE RHODE ISLAND COMMISSION ON PREJUDICE AND BIAS (This resolution would appropriate the sum of $100,000 to the Rhode Island Commission on Prejudice and Bias.)

RI S0871

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 TO THE UNITED WAY OF RHODE ISLAND FOR THE 2-1-1 HUMAN SERVICES HOTLINE (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $500,000 to the United Way of Rhode Island to provide operational support for the 2-1-1 system.)

RI H5234

RI H6191

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $10,000,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT PUBLIC EDUCATION (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of ten million dollars ($10,000,000) to the Rhode Island Foundation, to generate funds to support public education.)

RI S0105

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF APPROXIMATELY $30,000,000 TO RHODE ISLAND'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $100,000 to each public school in Rhode Island for school safety and security improvements.)

RI H6190

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $118,422 FOR RHODE ISLAND PARENT INFORMATION NETWORK, INC. (RIPIN) (This resolution authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $118,422 for RIPIN to continue the operation of the RIPIN Dual Ombudsman.)

RI H5536

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $200,000 TO BE USED FOR INCENTIVES FOR FRUITS AND VEGETABLES SOLD AT PARTICIPATING BONUS BUCKS OUTLETS IN RHODE ISLAND (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $200,000 for incentives for the Farm Fresh Bonus Bucks Program.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.