Rhode Island KIDS COUNT is pleased to release the 2016 Legislative Wrap-Up, which reports on selected laws and budget appropriations affecting children in the areas of early learning, education, economic well-being, health, and safety considered in the Rhode Island General Assembly's 2016 Legislative Session.
Below is an overview of victories for Rhode Island children and families in the 2016 Legislative Session:
Early Learning & Development
- The Rhode Island Family Home Visiting Act passed.
- Health insurance coverage parity for Early Intervention services is required.
- $8.4 million in state and federal funding was added to increase access to the Child Care Assistance Program.
- Child Care Transition Program (cliff effect policy) was extended by one year.
- $1.2 million was added to expand the State Pre-K program through the education funding formula.
- $2.6 million was allocated to ensure statewide universal access to full-day kindergarten starting in 2016.
Education
- Education funding through the funding formula (including Pre-K) was increased.
- A new categorical fund was created in the education funding formula to support the education of students who are English language learners.
- The use of out-of-school suspensions was restricted and districts are now required to review suspension data to identify and act on racial, ethnic, and special education disparities.
- The Free Play Recess Act passed, which requires at least 20 consecutive minutes of free-play recess daily for all children attending public elementary schools that serve children in grades kindergarten through six.
Economic Well-Being
- The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) was increased to 15% of the federal EITC.
- The Henry Shelton Act utility arrearage assistance program was improved.
- $50 million affordable housing bond was approved for ballot.
Safety
- The Child Fatality Reporting Act passed, which expands DCYF and the Office of the Child Advocate responsibilities for reporting and investigating child deaths.
- The DCYF Foster Parents' Bill of Rights was passed, which outlines the rights that foster parents have to timely information, communication, and training about children in their care.
Health
- The Free Play Recess Act passed, which requires at least 20 consecutive minutes of free-play recess daily for all children attending public elementary schools that serve children in grades kindergarten through six.
- A broad package of bills aimed at addressing opioid abuse and overdoses was passed.
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