PRIA Logo™
Rhode IslandS28822026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

AN ACT RELATING TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND HOSPITALS -- QUALITY SELF-DIRECTED SUPPORTS ACT OF 2026 .

Sponsored By: Brian J. Thompson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Self-directed care rules for adults with disabilities

If you are an adult with a developmental disability and the state finds you eligible for Medicaid long‑term services, you can use self‑directed supports. Your caregiver can provide the full set of personal care services allowed by state and federal law. If you do not want to hire directly, you can get services from a provider agency’s employees. You or your representative keep the right to hire, direct, and fire your workers, and to choose their wage within the state‑set range.

Pay ranges and training for caregivers

The state sets wage ranges for self‑directed direct support professionals, and participants pick a pay rate within that range. These pay‑range rules start when a provider representative is certified. The director can set job rules, including qualifications, benefits, and training. Self‑directed caregivers are not state employees, so they do not get state pensions or state health benefits. The director creates orientation and training rules and keeps a registry of qualified workers, which may be combined with the personal choice registry. These training and registry rules also start when a provider representative is certified.

Collective bargaining rules for caregivers

Self‑directed caregivers can choose one provider group to bargain for them statewide. After a 10% showing of interest, a secret‑ballot election is held; a majority of votes certifies the group. The state must meet within 30 days and bargain in good faith on pay, benefits, training, and payment rules; if talks stall, state impasse procedures apply. Dues are deducted only if a worker joins and signs an authorization. Strikes are not allowed. The Labor Relations Board enforces labor‑law violations, state‑authorized joint actions have an antitrust shield, and the state shares updated caregiver contact lists with provider groups every 60 days.

Budget and Medicaid guardrails on contracts

No caregiver contract under this law can cut federal Medicaid funding or reduce self‑directed services for eligible people. Any wage, benefit, or rate changes that need new state or federal money, or new laws or rules, start only after those are approved. The law takes effect upon passage.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Brian J. Thompson

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Jacob Bissaillon

    Democratic • Senate

  • Frank A. Ciccone, III

    Democratic • Senate

  • Tiara T. Mack

    Democratic • Senate

  • Melissa A. Murray

    Democratic • Senate

  • David P. Tikoian

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lori Urso

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 97 • No: 12

House vote • 6/10/2026

SELF-DIRECTED SUPPORTS ACT 2026 PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 62 • No: 9

Senate vote • 6/4/2026

QUALITY SELF-DIRECTED SUPPORTS ACT OF 2026 Passage

Yes: 35 • No: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 114

    6/18/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/16/2026Governor

  3. House passed Sub A in concurrence

    6/10/2026House

  4. Placed on House Calendar (06/10/2026)

    6/8/2026House

  5. Senate passed Sub A

    6/4/2026Senate

  6. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/04/2026)

    6/2/2026Senate

  7. Committee recommends passage of Sub A

    6/2/2026

  8. Proposed Substitute

    6/1/2026

  9. Scheduled for consideration (06/02/2026)

    5/29/2026

  10. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    5/5/2026

  11. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (05/05/2026)

    5/1/2026

  12. Meeting postponed (04/02/2026)

    4/2/2026

  13. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration

    3/27/2026

  14. Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services

    3/4/2026Senate

Bill Text

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation