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Rhode Island · 2026 Regular Session · Bill

HB 8176: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- THE RHODE ISLAND WORKS PROGRAM

In committee Official data

  1. Introduced
  2. In committee
  3. Passed one chamber
  4. Passed both chambers
  5. Enacted

Last official action: ·Record last updated:

Plain-language summary

HB 8176 is a bill introduced in the Rhode Island House on February 27, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- THE RHODE ISLAND WORKS PROGRAM. Primary sponsor: Brandon Potter (Democratic), Jennifer Stewart (Democratic), Cherie Cruz (Democratic), Mary Messier (Democratic), Karen Alzate (Democratic), Jenni Furtado (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.

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.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 6

NameRolePartyChamberDistrict
Brandon PotterPrimary sponsorDemocraticHouse16
Jennifer StewartPrimary sponsorDemocraticHouse59
Cherie CruzPrimary sponsorDemocraticHouse58
Mary MessierPrimary sponsorDemocraticHouse62
Karen AlzatePrimary sponsorDemocraticHouse60
Jenni FurtadoPrimary sponsorDemocraticHouse64

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

  1. 05/14/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  2. 05/08/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (05/14/2026)
  3. 02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Finance

Sources

  1. Open States / Plural (data from the official legislature website)
  2. Official legislature source