Rhode Island · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 7689: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- THE RHODE ISLAND WORKS PROGRAM
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 7689 is a bill introduced in the Rhode Island House on February 11, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- THE RHODE ISLAND WORKS PROGRAM. Primary sponsor: Cherie Cruz (Democratic), Edith Ajello (Democratic), Joshua Giraldo (Democratic), Justine Caldwell (Democratic), Katie Kazarian (Democratic), Rebecca Kislak (Democratic), Scott Slater (Democratic), Karen Alzate (Democratic), Jennifer Stewart (Democratic), Arthur Handy (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (May 14, 2026): 05/14/2026 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.
Amends the Rhode Island works program to allow lawful permanent residents to receive benefits without a waiting period and increases the monthly cash benefit to one hundred percent (100%) of the federal poverty level effective July 1, 2026.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 10
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherie Cruz | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 58 |
| Edith Ajello | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 1 |
| Joshua Giraldo | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 56 |
| Justine Caldwell | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 30 |
| Katie Kazarian | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 63 |
| Rebecca Kislak | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 4 |
| Scott Slater | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 10 |
| Karen Alzate | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 60 |
| Jennifer Stewart | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 59 |
| Arthur Handy | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 18 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- 05/14/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
- 05/08/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (05/14/2026)
- 03/05/2026 Committee transferred to House Finance
- 03/04/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
- 02/27/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2026)
- 02/27/2026 Committee transferred to House Judiciary
- 02/11/2026 Introduced, referred to House Finance