R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-13-3: Reconsideration of support orders.

(a) Every order entered by the family court providing for support of a child who at the time of entry of the order was not a recipient of or applicant for public assistance shall, in the event the child becomes the recipient of public assistance, be reconsidered de novo upon the petition of a parent or guardian of the child or the department of human services.

(b) Upon the filing of the petition, the court shall hold a hearing for the purpose of determining the amount of support to which the child is entitled from the appropriate parent. In fixing the amount of support the court shall take into account the factors set forth in § 15-13-2.