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RI S2621

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/13/2026

Primary Sponsor

Thomas Paolino

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Establishes a 3-year pilot Homelessness Beautification and Employment Program within the Executive Office of Housing, commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring July 1, 2029, unless extended by the General Assembly

  • Provides voluntary, paid temporary employment at minimum wage or higher for individuals experiencing homelessness to perform litter removal, park cleanup, graffiti removal, landscaping, and similar public improvement projects

  • Designed as low-barrier employment requiring no permanent address, prior work experience, or participation in law enforcement/encampment enforcement actions; participants must only be experiencing homelessness and authorized to work in the U.S.

  • Includes worker protections such as workers' compensation coverage, safety training, and personal protective equipment, plus access to supportive services including job readiness training, ID document assistance, housing navigation, and behavioral health referrals

  • Requires annual reporting to the Governor and legislative leaders by December 31 on participants served, work hours, wages paid, projects completed, and service referrals; funding through state appropriations and federal grants/private donations

Legislative Description

Creates a state-run pilot program in Rhode Island that provides paid, low-barrier employment to individuals experiencing homelessness for community beautification and cleanup projects while connecting participants to supportive services.

Human Services

Last Action

Introduced, referred to Senate Labor and Gaming

2/13/2026

Committee Referrals

Labor and Gaming2/13/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available