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RI H8093

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/27/2026

Primary Sponsor

Hagan McEntee

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Origin

House of Representatives

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Expands the definition of "educational program" to include charter schools, parochial schools, home schools, after-school programs, camps, youth groups, scouting organizations, tutoring programs, and other extracurricular, educational, athletic, artistic, behavioral, developmental, or religious enrichment activities for children

  • Adds a new definition of "religious organization" covering churches, congregations, faith-based organizations of any denomination, and affiliated entities or associations of clergy members

  • Extends mandatory reporting requirements for suspected child abuse or neglect to cover religious organizations in addition to educational programs, requiring reports within 24 hours to DCYF and local or state police

  • Requires DCYF to immediately forward abuse reports to state police, local law enforcement, the child advocacy center, and the Department of Attorney General

  • Takes effect upon passage

Legislative Description

Expands the definition of "educational program" for purposes of the abused and neglected children general law to include charter schools, parochial schools, after school programs, camps and various other programs involving children.

Human Services

Last Action

Committee recommended measure be held for further study

3/12/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary2/27/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available