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H 8490RHODE ISLANDSession 2026State Billdead

Did Not Advance

Rhode Island Creates Noreen Drexel Birthing Center Fund to Support Newport Hospital Maternal Services

Original title: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- THE NOREEN DREXEL BIRTHING CENTER FUND (Establishes a fund within the department of health to support the operation and expansion of women’s, maternal, and infant health and birthing services at Newport Hospital.)

Last action · May 12, 2026: Committee recommended measure be held for further studySponsors: Lauren Carson and 3 others

Bill progressHistory & official text ↓

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

Law

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What This Bill Proposed

Rhode Island establishes a dedicated fund within the Department of Health to support the operation and expansion of women’s, maternal, and infant health and birthing services at Newport Hospital.

Why it matters

Establishes a dedicated state financing mechanism managed by health officials specifically targeted at expanding local maternity and infant care capacities at Newport Hospital.

Who It Would Have Affected

Groups the bill's text would have affected, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Newport Hospital

Eligible to receive financial support through the newly established Department of Health fund for expanding maternal and infant health services.

Directly affected

Rhode Island Department of Health

Tasked with housing and administering the Noreen Drexel Birthing Center Fund.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Noreen Drexel Birthing Center Fund?

The fund is established to support the operation and expansion of women’s, maternal, and infant health and birthing services at Newport Hospital.

Which state agency oversees the new fund?

The fund is established within the Rhode Island Department of Health.

What else do you want to know?

News Coverage

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Where This Stands

This bill did not become law - Died at adjournment · in House committee.

Procedural history

3 actions

May 12, 2026
Committee recommended measure be held for further study
May 8, 2026
Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (05/12/2026)
Apr 29, 2026Introduced
Introduced, referred to House Finance

Version history

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Lobbying Activity

No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.

Full breakdown

Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.

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