AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- HOMELESSNESS EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM (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.)

S2621

2026 -- S 2621
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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A N A C T
RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- HOMELESSNESS EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

Introduced By:
Senators Paolino, Thompson, Patalano, Acosta, Murray, McKenney,
Kallman, Bell, Raptakis, and Gu

Date Introduced:
February 13, 2026

Referred To:
Senate Labor & Gaming
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
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SECTION 1. Legislative findings.
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The General Assembly finds and declares:
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(1) Homelessness remains a significant challenge affecting individuals and families
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throughout the State of Rhode Island, creating barriers to stable employment, housing, and self-
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sufficiency;
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(2) Individuals experiencing homelessness are frequently excluded from the workforce due
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to lack of permanent address, transportation, access to identification documents, or recent work
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history;
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(3) Gainful employment, even on a short-term or transitional basis, can improve self-
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esteem, provide income, build work history, and serve as a pathway toward long-term housing
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stability;
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(4) Day-labor and transitional employment programs implemented in other jurisdictions
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have demonstrated success in providing immediate, low-barrier employment opportunities for
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individuals experiencing homelessness while simultaneously improving public spaces;
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(5) Beautification, sanitation, and cleanup projects benefit the public health, safety, and
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quality of life of Rhode Island communities; and
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(6) It is in the public interest to establish a pilot program that pairs paid employment for
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individuals experiencing homelessness with community beautification and cleanup efforts, while
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connecting participants to supportive services.

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SECTION 2. Title 40 of the General Laws entitled "HUMAN SERVICES" is hereby
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amended by adding thereto the following chapter:
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CHAPTER 23
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HOMELESSNESS EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
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40-23-1. Establishment of program.

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(a) There is hereby established within the executive office of housing, established pursuant
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to § 42-167-1, in consultation with the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental
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disabilities and hospitals and other state agencies and departments, a homelessness beautification
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and employment program (“the program”).
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(b) The program shall provide paid, temporary employment opportunities to individuals
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experiencing homelessness to perform community beautification, sanitation, and cleanup projects
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including, but not limited to:
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(1) Litter and debris removal;
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(2) Park, shoreline, and public space cleanup;
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(3) Graffiti removal;
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(4) Landscaping and beautification projects; and
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(5) Other similar projects that improve public property or nonprofit facilities.
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40-23-2. Eligibility and participation.

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(a) Participation in the program shall be voluntary and open to individuals who:
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(1) Are experiencing homelessness or housing instability, as defined by the executive office
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of housing; and
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(2) Are authorized to work in the United States.
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(b) The program shall be designed as a low-barrier employment opportunity and shall not
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require:
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(1) A permanent address;
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(2) Prior work experience; or
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(3) Participation in law enforcement or encampment enforcement actions.
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40-23-3. Wages, conditions, and worker protections.

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(a) Participants shall be paid an hourly wage not less than the Rhode Island minimum wage.
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(b) Participants shall be covered by applicable worker protections, including:
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(1) Workers’ compensation coverage;
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(2) Workplace safety training; and
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(3) Appropriate personal protective equipment.
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(c) Employment under the program shall be temporary in nature and shall not create a

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property right or expectation of continued employment.
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40-23-4. Supportive services and workforce development.

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The executive office of housing may coordinate with state agencies, municipalities,
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nonprofit organizations, and workforce development entities to provide participants with access to:
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(1) Job readiness training;
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(2) Assistance obtaining identification documents;
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(3) Referrals to housing navigation services;
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(4) Behavioral health and substance use treatment referrals; and
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(5) Connections to longer-term employment opportunities.
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40-23-5. Municipal and nonprofit partnerships.

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(a) The executive office of housing may enter into agreements with:
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(1) Municipalities;
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(2) State agencies;
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(3) Nonprofit organizations; and
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(4) Other eligible entities to identify projects, supervise work crews, and administer day-
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to-day operations of the program.
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(b) Priority shall be given to projects that:
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(1) Improve public health and safety;
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(2) Enhance community appearance; and
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(3) Provide visible public benefit.
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40-23-6. Duration and reporting.

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(a) The program shall initially operate as a three (3) year pilot program commencing July
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1, 2026, subject to the appropriation of funds.
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(b) No later than December 31 of each year, the executive office of housing shall submit a
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report to the governor, the speaker of the house, and the president of the senate that includes:
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(1) The number of individuals served;
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(2) The number of work hours provided;
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(3) Total wages paid;
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(4) Types and locations of projects completed;
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(5) Referrals to housing and supportive services; and
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(6) Recommendations regarding continuation, expansion, or modification of the program.
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40-23-7. Funding.

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(a) The general assembly may appropriate funds for the implementation and support of the
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program established by the provisions of this chapter.

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(b) In addition to any appropriation by the general assembly pursuant to subsection (a) of
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this section, the executive office of housing shall apply for and accept applicable federal funds,
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grants, private donations, or other funding sources to support the program.
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40-23-8. Sunset.

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The provisions of this chapter and the program shall sunset and expire on July 1, 2029,
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unless extended by the general assembly.
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40-23-9. Severability.

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If any provision of this chapter or its application is held invalid, such invalidity shall not
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affect other provisions or applications of the chapter which can be given effect without the invalid
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provision or application.
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SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- HOMELESSNESS EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
***
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This act would create a state-run pilot program in Rhode Island that provides paid, low-
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barrier employment to individuals experiencing homelessness for community beautification and
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cleanup projects while connecting participants to supportive services.
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This act would take effect upon passage.
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