RI H7393

Expands childcare assistance eligibility to families with incomes at or below 85% of state median income (federal benchmark), with continued eligibility until income exceeds 100% of state median income

Establishes new tiered weekly reimbursement rates for licensed childcare centers effective July 1, 2026, ranging from $280-$501 depending on age group and quality tier, meeting or exceeding the federal equal access benchmark (75th percentile of market rates)

Caps family copayments at 7% of income, with free childcare for families at or below 100% of the federal poverty level

Provides childcare assistance to eligible childcare educators and staff (working 20+ hours/week) with family incomes up to 300% of federal poverty guidelines with no copayments, from August 2026 through July 2028

Requires triennial market rate surveys beginning June 30, 2027, and consolidates existing childcare assistance statutes into a new "Rhode Island Childcare is Essential Act" chapter