Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H8402

Introduced

4/3/26

Refer

4/3/26

Caption

RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- PERMANENT JOINT STUDY COMMISSION ON, AGING AND MULTI-SECTOR PLAN ON AGING

Summary

House Bill 8402 aims to establish the Permanent Joint Study Commission on Aging and to develop a comprehensive multi-sector plan regarding aging in Rhode Island. The bill recognizes the state's rapidly growing older population, which currently consists of about 22% of residents aged 65 or older, and expects significant increases in the number of individuals aged 75 and 85. The legislation underscores the need for a coordinated approach to address the implications of this demographic shift on housing, transportation, healthcare, and economic security systems in the state. The bill mandates the formation of a permanent commission composed of legislative members, state officials, and public representatives, including individuals with lived experience in aging or disability matters. This commission is tasked with overseeing the creation and periodic updates of a multi-sector plan that will address critical domains impacting older adults, such as access to services, municipal services, and economic strategies that support aging in place. One of the notable points of contention surrounding H8402 is its approach to interagency coordination. The legislation aims to facilitate collaboration among various state agencies and local governments, promoting shared strategies to effectively utilize resources. Critics may argue about the feasibility of such coordination, especially considering potential bureaucratic challenges or differing priorities among agencies over time. Furthermore, the bill allocates $1 million in annual appropriations to support the commission, including funding for a dedicated staff position. This financial commitment signifies a strong legislative intent to continually address the diverse and evolving needs of Rhode Island's older population. As the bill moves through the legislative process, discussions around specific funding mechanisms and the inclusion of diverse community perspectives may further shape its implementation.

Latest RI H8402 Activity

View All Events: RI 2026 Regular Session H8402

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5719

Advances the interests of older Rhode Islanders by adding a representative of an aging adult organization and a permanent committee on aging to the state planning council and creates a permanent legislative commission on aging adults.

RI H5876

Creates a permanent special commission to investigate and report on the threat of nuclear weapons.

RI H5161

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY PUBLIC OWNERSHIP OF PUBLIC UTILITIES (Creates a special joint legislative study commission to study public ownership of certain public utilities, including electricity and natural gas.)

RI S1156

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE RETURN OF CENTRAL FALLS SCHOOLS TO LOCAL GOVERNANCE (Creates a seven (7) member joint legislative commission to study and prepare a report on the return of Central Falls schools to local governance.)

RI H6217

Would establish within the office of healthy aging a community grant program for older adult services.

RI S0831

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS TO SAFEGUARD RHODE ISLAND AGAINST THE USE OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS (Creates an 11-member commission to study and provide recommendations to safeguard Rhode Island against use of nuclear weapons, and who would report back no later than August 6, 2026, and whose life would expire on November 6, 2026.)

RI H5970

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CREATION OF A STATEWIDE WHOLE-HOME REPAIRS PROGRAM (Creates 12-member commission to study and provide recommendations for the creation of a statewide whole-home repairs program, and who would report back to the General Assembly by January 5, 2026, and would expire on March 5, 2026.)

RI S0360

SENATE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND ASSESS EDUCATION MODULES FOR DIVORCING PARENTS (Creates a nine (9) member commission to the study and assess the most effective module for divorcing parents, and would report back by January 27, 2026, and expire on March 27, 2026.)

RI H5123

Requires DOA provide inventory of all state agencies using artificial intelligence (AI); establishes a 13 member permanent commission to monitor the use of AI in state government and makes recommendations for state government policy and other decisions.

RI H5367

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE MANNER IN WHICH HEALTH INSURANCE, DISABILITY INSURANCE, UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE, RETIREMENT PLANS AND OTHER TRADITIONAL EMPLOYER PROVIDED BENEFITS ARE ACCORDED TO UBER AND LYFT DRIVERS, SELF EMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS, AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS ENGAGED IN PROVIDING SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC (Creates a 5 member commission to study the way insurance plans and traditional employer provided benefits are given to Uber and Lyft drivers, and others providing services to the public, and would report by January 5, 2026, and expire March 5, 20206.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.