Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · House Feb 12, 2025

HR 5367: HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE MANNER IN WHICH HEALTH INSURANCE, DISABILITY INSURANCE, UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE, RETIREMENT PLANS AND OTHER TRADITIONAL EMPLOYER PROVIDED BENEFITS ARE ACCORDED TO UBER AND LYFT DRIVERS, SELF EMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS, AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS ENGAGED IN PROVIDING SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC

Creates a 5 member commission to study the way insurance plans and traditional employer provided benefits are given to Uber and Lyft drivers, and others providing services to the public, and would report by January 5, 2026, and expire March 5, 20206.

died · Rhode Island · House Feb 12, 2025

HB 5028: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- LABOR AND PAYMENT OF DEBTS BY CONTRACTORS

Amends the definition of public works so that it would include any public works projects performed for any city or town or quasi-municipal entity and the state and any quasi-state entity.

died · Rhode Island · House Feb 12, 2025

HB 5366: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- PAYMENT OF WAGES

Provides employees with civil administrative remedies against contractors, subcontractors involved in the contract with joint/severable liability imposed on contractors or subcontractors. Effective 9/1/2025.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

died · Rhode Island · House Feb 12, 2025

HB 5336: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- COOPERATIVE SERVICE AMONG SCHOOL DISTRICTS

HB 5336 would restructure governance of Rhode Island's Urban Collaborative (serving Providence and other participating school districts) by replacing its previous structure with a board of five trustees. The board would include the Providence superintendent, superintendents from other approved districts, and council-appointed members. The bill also specifies that state education funding would flow directly to the collaborative, with local districts transferring their share, and clarifies the collaborative's eligibility for state and federal education funds. This bill was introduced on February 7, 2025, but withdrawn at the sponsor's request on February 12, 2025, and never became law.

died · Rhode Island · House Feb 12, 2025

HB 5272: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- NONTRANSPARENT WINDSHIELDS AND WINDOWS

HB 5272 allows rental or lease companies to avoid liability for traffic violations involving their vehicles by providing a copy of the written rental or lease agreement to the court or municipality. The bill requires traffic authorities to send written notices of violations - including vehicle license number and violation time - to rental companies, who must then share the renter's contact details within 20 days. This applies to violations related to non-compliant window tinting (as referenced in the chapter title), but the key change is shifting responsibility from the rental business to the renter. The law would take effect immediately upon passage.

died · Rhode Island · House Feb 12, 2025

HB 5138: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- THE RHODE ISLAND LOBBYING REFORM ACT

Prohibits lobbyists from making any political contributions to any member of the general assembly from January 1 through July 1 in any year, unless the general assembly adjourns for the year prior to July 1.

died · Rhode Island · House Feb 12, 2025

HB 5132: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- WORKPLACE PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY ACT

Prohibits psychological abuse in the workplace by employers or co-workers, ensuring a safe environment for employees, provides protection, civil remedies, and penalties for employers based on revenue.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

died · Rhode Island · House Feb 12, 2025

HB 5378: AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- ORGANIZATION AND COMMAND OF MILITARY AND NAVAL FORCES

Requires an official declaration of war or an action to call forth the state militia by the United States Congress before members of the National Guard may be released from state control to participate in active duty combat.

died · Rhode Island · House Feb 12, 2025

HB 5047: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- WAREHOUSE WORKER PROTECTION ACT

Requires employers to provide each employee of a warehouse distribution center, upon hire, with written description of quotas applicable to the employee within defined time periods and adverse employment action for failure to meet the quota.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

died · Rhode Island · House Feb 12, 2025

HB 5073: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- PEACE OFFICER MAXIMUM WORKDAY AND OVERTIME COMPENSATION

HB 5073 establishes a maximum 8-hour workday for state-employed peace officers (including correctional officers) in Rhode Island, with a 10-hour cap for correctional officer stewards. The bill prohibits requiring overtime beyond these limits except during unforeseeable emergencies like riots, and mandates double-time-and-a-half pay if the state violates these rules. It specifically affects correctional staff working for the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, ensuring they cannot be forced into excessive overtime without exception. The law also requires employers to make "reasonable efforts" to find volunteers before mandating overtime during emergencies. Violations would trigger immediate payment of the doubled overtime rate to affected employees.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

died · Rhode Island · House Feb 12, 2025

HB 5305: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- DIVISION OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

Requires employers to protect employees from extreme temperatures through rest breaks, PPE, training, and equipment, and mandates quarterly supervisor training, to recognize and mitigate heat- and cold-related risks.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

died · Rhode Island · House Feb 12, 2025

HB 5387: AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- RHODE ISLAND VETERANS' HOME

Adds “space force” to the branches of the military included in various sections of general law regarding the veterans home, veterans cemetery and the power of armed forces officers to take acknowledgements.

Bill results