JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $118,422 TO THE RHODE ISLAND PARENT INFORMATION NETWORK (RIPIN) (Appropriates the sum of $118,422 to the Rhode Island Parent Information Network (RIPIN).)

Summary: Funding for Rhode Island Parent Information Network (RIPIN)

This bill is a joint resolution that would direct $118,422 in state funds to the Rhode Island Parent Information Network, commonly known as RIPIN. A joint resolution like this is a formal way for the Rhode Island legislature to approve a specific, one-time spending decision outside of the regular budget process.

RIPIN is a nonprofit organization that provides information, support, and advocacy services to families of children and adults with disabilities or special healthcare needs. The organization helps parents navigate systems like special education, healthcare, and social services. This funding would support RIPIN's ability to continue offering those services to Rhode Island families who rely on them.

The people most directly affected by this bill would be families across Rhode Island — particularly parents raising children with disabilities or complex medical needs — who use RIPIN's resources and guidance. Without this funding, RIPIN may have reduced capacity to serve those families.

As of now, the bill has been introduced and referred to the Senate Finance Committee, which has recommended holding it for further study rather than moving it forward immediately. A hearing was scheduled for March 31, 2026. This means the bill has not yet been passed into law, and lawmakers are still reviewing whether and how to approve the appropriation.