The bill establishes a joint commission within the Rhode Island General Laws, specifically under a new chapter titled "Joint Commission to Study Ways to Maximize Revenue for Child Welfare and Children's Behavioral Health Services." The commission will consist of twenty-seven members, including legislative representatives, executive and judicial branch members, and representatives from various community organizations and providers.

The primary purpose of the commission is to study ways to maximize revenue for child welfare and children's behavioral health services. It will focus on the goals, scope, and implementation of the Medicaid transformation project, opportunities to better coordinate federal funding across state agencies, and any other relevant topics determined by the commission.

The commission is tasked with reviewing the structure and objectives of Medicaid transformation, examining the impact of Medicaid policy changes on children's behavioral health services and child welfare-related services, identifying federal funding sources, assessing opportunities to maximize federal revenue, and evaluating barriers to accessing federal funds. Additionally, the commission will solicit public input through at least two public hearings.

The commission is required to issue an interim report to the General Assembly by January 15, 2027, summarizing preliminary findings, and a final report by June 30, 2027, which will include findings, recommendations for statutory changes, budgetary and fiscal recommendations, and administrative or policy recommendations to maximize federal revenue and protect the continuum of care.

The executive office of health and human services will provide staff support and data access as requested by the commission, and members of the commission will serve without compensation.