The bill amends Section 40-5.2-20 of the General Laws in Chapter 40-5.2, known as "The Rhode Island Works Program," to remove the requirement that families must consent to and cooperate with the Department of Human Services in establishing paternity and enforcing child support orders as a condition of eligibility for childcare assistance. Instead, the bill allows the parent or caretaker relative of any family applying for childcare assistance to voluntarily access the state's office of child support services for assistance in establishing parentage, establishing a child support and/or medical order, and enforcing that order, but this will not be a requirement to qualify for or access childcare assistance. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
62: 40-5.2-20