Rhode IslandH79522026 Regular SessionHouse

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A PERMANENT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON CHILD CARE IN RHODE ISLAND .

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Annual child care day, retreat, and budget

The House hosts the Commission in even-numbered years and the Senate hosts in odd-numbered years. The Commission holds an annual Child Care and Early Education Awareness Day. It also organizes a joint House-Senate planning retreat every two to three years. The Commission may receive up to $5,000 each year in grant funding, if approved by the Speaker and Senate President, to cover the Awareness Day and the retreat. This supports events and planning, not direct payments to families.

Commission expands child care and pre-K work

The law renames the body the Permanent Legislative Commission on Child Care and Early Learning. It tasks the Commission to review and recommend policies for a child care and early learning system that is high quality, affordable, accessible, and fair. It also plans for current and future needs, including expanding pre-kindergarten. This guides planning and advice. It does not change funding or who qualifies for help today.

New membership rules for child care commission

The Commission now has 27 members. It includes four House appointees and three Senate appointees, with party limits: no more than three from one party in the House seats and two in the Senate seats. It also includes state officials or designees and community groups like BOCA, YMCA, Head Start, SEIU 1199 family care providers, Boys & Girls Clubs, KIDS COUNT, and others named in law. One early childhood program leader with experience in underserved communities is jointly appointed by the Speaker and Senate President. Appointers must consider diversity, and membership is reviewed and updated every three years.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Grace Diaz
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Julie A. Casimiro
Democratic • House
Cherie L. Cruz
Democratic • House
Susan R. Donovan
Democratic • House
John G. Edwards
Democratic • House
Mary Ann Shallcross Smith
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 72 • No: 0

House vote • 5/5/2026

AMENDING COMM./ CHILD CARE IN RI PASSAGE