RI H7965

Establishes the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund as a nonlapsing, revolving fund to provide financial assistance for medical expenses of children age 21 and younger not covered by other state/federal programs or insurance

Defines "catastrophic illness" as expenses exceeding 10% of the first $100,000 of annual family income plus 15% of income above $100,000

Creates a 9-member commission to administer the fund, consisting of 4 ex officio members (directors of DCYF, DHS, DBR, and general treasurer) and 5 governor-appointed public members serving 5-year terms

Funds the program through a $1.50 annual surcharge per employee on all employers subject to Rhode Island employment security laws, collected by the Department of Labor and Training

Requires families who later recover damages through legal action for the child's medical expenses to reimburse the fund for assistance received