Rhode Island · 2025 Regular Session · Bill
HB 5281: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- RHODE ISLAND CHILDCARE IS ESSENTIAL ACT
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 5281 is a bill introduced in the Rhode Island House on January 31, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- RHODE ISLAND CHILDCARE IS ESSENTIAL ACT. Primary sponsor: Rebecca Kislak (Democratic), Brandon Potter (Democratic), Teresa Tanzi (Democratic), Casimiro, Jay Edwards (Democratic), Scott Slater (Democratic), Justine Caldwell (Democratic), Susan Donovan (Democratic), Mary Ann Shallcross-Smith (Democratic), Grace Diaz (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (May 22, 2025): 05/22/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
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.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 9
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rebecca Kislak | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 4 |
| Brandon Potter | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 16 |
| Teresa Tanzi | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 34 |
| Casimiro | Primary sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
| Jay Edwards | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 70 |
| Scott Slater | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 10 |
| Justine Caldwell | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 30 |
| Susan Donovan | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 69 |
| Mary Ann Shallcross-Smith | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 46 |
| Grace Diaz | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 11 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- 05/22/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
- 05/16/2025 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (05/22/2025)
- 04/21/2025 Committee postponed at request of sponsor (04/24/2025)
- 04/18/2025 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
- 01/31/2025 Introduced, referred to House Finance