The bill proposes amendments to the Rhode Island Works Program, which provides cash assistance to families in need. It updates definitions, such as replacing "woman" with "person" and redefining the onset of pregnancy to determine when a pregnant person is considered part of a family for program purposes. The bill also extends job-search and job-readiness assistance durations under certain conditions and includes provisions for various support services, such as life-skills training and substance abuse treatment. It clarifies eligibility requirements, stating that residents must be U.S. citizens or meet specific alienage requirements, and removes the waiting period for lawful permanent residents. Additionally, the bill exempts individuals domiciled in the state from federal restrictions related to drug felony convictions.

The bill sets a 60-month lifetime limit on cash assistance, with hardship exceptions allowing for extensions. It also changes the language to be more inclusive regarding pregnancy and young parents' eligibility. The bill outlines income exclusions when determining eligibility for cash assistance, such as the first $300 of gross earnings and certain types of assistance. It mandates cooperation with child support enforcement as a condition for receiving assistance and sets work requirements for parents, with exemptions for certain circumstances. The bill also revises sanctions for non-compliance with work requirements, removing the option to terminate benefits and instead reducing them. It aims to increase the monthly cash benefit to 50% of the federal poverty level and provide annual cost-of-living adjustments. Lastly, the bill repeals full family sanction provisions, emphasizing the importance of individual employment plans over rehabilitation plans.