Amends the Rhode Island works program to increase the cash support pass-through to $100 for one child and $200 for more than one child.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would change how child support payments are handled for families receiving assistance through Rhode Island Works, which is the state's main welfare program that provides financial help to low-income families with children. Specifically, it would increase the amount of child support money that is passed directly through to families rather than being kept by the state.

Under current rules, when a non-custodial parent (such as an absent father or mother) pays child support, the state often keeps some or all of that money to offset the cost of welfare benefits the family is receiving. This bill would require the state to pass through at least $100 per month to families with one child and $200 per month to families with more than one child, meaning those families would receive that money directly on top of their regular benefits.

This bill primarily affects low-income families who are enrolled in Rhode Island Works and also receive child support payments. For these families, the change could mean more money in their pockets each month to cover everyday expenses like food, clothing, and household bills. It could also benefit non-custodial parents who pay child support, as more of their payments would actually reach their children rather than going to the state.

The bill has been introduced and sent to the House Finance Committee, where lawmakers will review its potential costs and impact before deciding whether to move it forward.