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Rhode IslandS30662026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- CHILDREN'S MOBILE RESPONSE AND STABILIZATION SERVICES .

Sponsored By: Valarie J. Lawson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Medicaid now covers kids’ mobile crisis

Medicaid covers mobile response and stabilization services for children and youth under 21, including the EPSDT benefit. Managed care plans must include these services and build provider networks for them. The state may not require prior authorization, visit caps, or geographic limits for Medicaid mobile crisis care. The Medicaid agency submits any needed state plan changes or waivers to federal CMS and implements coverage once approved.

Braided funding and one payment for children’s mobile crisis

The state uses braided funding for children’s mobile crisis care. Medicaid pays for eligible children at actuarially sound rates, and state general revenue pays for children who are not Medicaid-eligible. Providers are paid through one unified payment, not separate bills by insurance. This simplifies payment and supports steady access.

Free 24/7 mobile crisis help for kids

The state runs mobile crisis and stabilization services for children and youth statewide. Help is available 24/7 to all children, no matter their insurance. No prior authorization, referral, or intake is needed to start. An in-person team arrives within 60 minutes unless a clinician decides it is unsafe. Teams include a licensed clinician and at least one more staff member, with 24-hour clinical supervision and psychiatric consult. Care happens in the child’s home, school, or community and is culturally, linguistically, and disability accessible. Families pay no fees or co-pays. Referrals can come from 988, 911, schools, child welfare, health providers, law enforcement, or families. Mobile crisis works with these lines and clinics but stays clinically independent, and providers are not required to run a call center. Requests are presumed eligible under a screen-in standard unless a clinician finds imminent risk that requires a different response.

Provider network and backup for kids’ crisis

The child welfare department certifies and contracts with community providers to deliver mobile crisis care. It prioritizes experienced teams and statewide geographic coverage. Contracts set payment rates, performance standards, reporting, and care coordination. Providers must join mutual aid coverage so no region has service gaps, and this cannot be used to replace existing providers or shift base funding. The department sets a statewide mutual aid framework by rule to cover busy times or staff shortages.

Stable state funding for kids’ crisis care

For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, the state provides $900,000 to support services for uninsured and underinsured children and to cover services not otherwise reimbursed. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2028 and each year after, the budget must include at least $1,000,000, and starting in FY2028 the department and governor must include enough funding to ensure statewide access for uninsured and underinsured children. State funds for this program can be used to draw federal matching dollars. Each year, the department certifies the total funding needed and how much comes from Medicaid versus state general revenue. This service is deemed essential; the state cannot cut funding without a public impact analysis and 30 days notice explaining how response times and coverage will be kept.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Valarie J. Lawson

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Frank A. Ciccone, III

    Democratic • Senate

  • Matthew L. LaMountain

    Democratic • Senate

  • Melissa A. Murray

    Democratic • Senate

  • David P. Tikoian

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 215 • No: 0

House vote • 6/11/2026

CHILDREN'S MOBILE RESPONSE PASSAGE PASSAGE OF AMENDMENT

Yes: 70 • No: 0

House vote • 6/11/2026

CHILDREN'S MOBILE RESPONSE PASSAGE AS AMENDED

Yes: 72 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/3/2026

STATE AFFAIRS & GOV -- MOBILE RESPONSE STABILIZATION SERVICES Approval of Amendment Passage

Yes: 35 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/3/2026

STATE AFFAIRS & GOV -- MOBILE RESPONSE STABILIZATION SERVICES Passage as Amended Passage

Yes: 38 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 363

    6/22/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/18/2026Governor

  3. Senate passed Sub B as amended in concurrence

    6/11/2026Senate

  4. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/11/2026)

    6/11/2026Senate

  5. House passed Sub B as amended (floor amendment)

    6/11/2026House

  6. Placed on House Calendar (06/11/2026)

    6/10/2026House

  7. Committee recommends passage of Sub B

    6/10/2026

  8. Proposed Substitute

    6/8/2026

  9. Scheduled for consideration (06/10/2026)

    6/8/2026

  10. Referred to House Finance

    6/4/2026House

  11. Senate passed Sub A as amended (floor amendment)

    6/3/2026Senate

  12. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/03/2026)

    5/29/2026Senate

  13. Committee recommends passage of Sub A

    5/28/2026

  14. Proposed Substitute

    5/27/2026

  15. Scheduled for consideration (05/28/2026)

    5/26/2026

  16. Meeting postponed (05/21/2026)

    5/21/2026

  17. Meeting postponed (05/21/2026)

    5/21/2026

  18. Proposed Substitute

    5/20/2026

  19. Scheduled for consideration

    5/19/2026

  20. Meeting postponed (05/19/2026)

    5/19/2026

  21. Scheduled for consideration

    5/15/2026

  22. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    3/24/2026

  23. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/24/2026)

    3/20/2026

  24. Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services

    3/12/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • S3066 - As Introduced

    3/12/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • S3066 - Substitute

    3/12/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • S3066 - Substitute As Amended

    3/12/2026

    HTMLPDF

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