Bills affecting Parent / guardian in Rhode Island — 2026 session

Restricts application of pesticides and rodenticides at schools and childcare centers and requires schools to provide copies of notice to parents and guardians.

Commencing July 1, 2026, this act eliminates the provision of this section that requires new applicants for employment under this section to pay the expense for their criminal background checks.

Requires the EOHHS to amend the state Medicaid plan and secure sufficient state general revenue to increase Medicaid payment rates to an amount equal to one hundred thirty percent (130%) of Medicare rates for outpatient clinical pediatric services.

Establishes a twenty-seven (27) member joint commission to study ways to maximize revenue for child welfare and children’s behavioral health services.

Exempts meals served in licensed childcare centers from taxation.

Eliminates fingerprinting fees for licensed childcare hires, require background checks for youth activity instructors, and allow active TS/SCI clearance to satisfy criminal background check requirements.

Increases the number of state childcare licensing inspectors to meet the national recommended average of one inspector for every fifty (50) to sixty (60) childcare providers.

Adds a new category to the eligibility of childcare assistance to include a "protective services category" which would include foster or kinship children served through DCYF.

Expands eligibility for the childcare assistance program to meet the federal eligibility benchmark.

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).

Expand eligibility for the childcare assistance program to meet the federal eligibility benchmark.