Labor & Employment

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 10, 2026

HB 8504: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- FAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES

This bill expands the definition of "employee" under Rhode Island's Fair Employment Practices law to include individuals working in domestic service, thereby extending anti-discrimination protections to domestic workers. The legislation updates various legal definitions within the state's employment chapter to clarify terms related to gender identity, race, disability, and religious accommodation. By making these changes, the bill ensures that domestic workers are covered by the same safeguards against discrimination as other employees in the state.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill expands anti-discrimination protections to domestic workers and clarifies definitions for gender identity, race, and disability, strengthening worker rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Employment Discrimination

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 23, 2026

SB 3297: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- WORKERS' COMPENSATION--GENERAL PROVISIONS

SB 3297 amends the state workers' compensation law to clarify definitions and expand the authority of the workers' compensation court. The bill updates how "earnings capacity" is calculated for injured workers, specifying that courts can consider an employee's ability to work based on their functional impairment without requiring the employer to identify specific job offers. It also clarifies who qualifies as an "employee" and "employer," including state agencies and contractors, while explicitly excluding independent contractors, sole proprietors, and corporate officers. Additionally, the legislation grants the court broader powers to enforce its orders and manage disputes regarding liability, disability status, and medical causation for cases filed after July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill clarifies definitions and expands court authority to protect injured workers' earnings capacity and benefits.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Workers' Compensation

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 23, 2026

HB 8524: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- WORKERS' COMPENSATION--GENERAL PROVISIONS

This bill updates the definitions used in Rhode Island's workers' compensation system, specifically clarifying who counts as an "employee" and "employer" for legal purposes. It expands the workers' compensation court's authority to manage cases for state employees and airport workers starting in July 2025, allowing the court to decide on issues like disability status and suitable job offers. The legislation also refines how "earnings capacity" is calculated, establishing rules for when an injured worker is presumed to have regained their ability to earn money, such as after successfully working light duty for at least 13 weeks. Additionally, it clarifies that corporate officers who were previously employees generally remain covered under the act unless specific waiver procedures are followed.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill expands workers' compensation court authority and clarifies employee definitions, strengthening protections for state and airport workers.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Workers' Compensation

died · Rhode Island · House May 19, 2026

HB 8407: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- RETIREMENT SYSTEM -- CONTRIBUTION AND BENEFITS

Limits retired, part-time or adjunct instructors, hired by any state college, university, or state school, to teaching no more than two classes per semester.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationBill restricts adjunct instructors to two classes per semester, limiting their teaching opportunities and reducing educational access.85% confidence ✗ Labor & EmploymentOpposes Labor & EmploymentBill limits teaching load for adjuncts, restricting their ability to teach more classes and effectively capping potential earnings.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SB 3200: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- FAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES

Prohibits an employer, employment agency, labor organization, or employee, to commit any act declared to be an unlawful employment practice; individuals would be held personally liable for such conduct.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill explicitly prohibits unlawful employment practices and establishes personal liability, thereby strengthening worker protections and fair employment standards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Employment Discrimination

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 4, 2026

SB 3062: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- HEALTH PROFESSIONAL LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM

This bill expands Rhode Island's existing health professional loan repayment program to include healthcare providers working in primary care settings, in addition to those serving medically underserved populations. The program offers financial assistance to repay student loans for eligible professionals such as physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who commit to working in designated shortage areas or primary care facilities for at least two years. A state board will administer the program, determining eligible locations based on health professional shortage area designations and primary care provider needs, while reviewing applications and verifying applicant qualifications. The legislation aims to address staffing challenges in primary care by providing incentives to help recruit and retain healthcare workers in areas with limited access to medical services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands loan repayment program to increase healthcare provider access in underserved areas, strengthening healthcare workforce and patient access.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill expands loan repayment program for healthcare workers, supporting employment in shortage areas and improving access to healthcare professionals.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Primary Care

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 8361: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RHODE ISLAND TOWING INDUSTRY MODERNIZATION AND REGULATORY EQUITY ACT

This bill creates the Rhode Island Towing Advisory Board to advise the state's public utilities commission on regulating tow truck operators. The advisory board will include representatives from the towing industry, transportation and public safety departments, and the public, who will meet annually to provide recommendations on licensing, safety training, and rate changes. It also establishes mandatory licensing standards requiring operators to complete at least eight hours of annual continuing education and mandates that the commission consult with the board before approving any tariff modifications or enforcement policies. The law takes effect on January 1, 2027, and applies to all tow truck operators working within the state.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill establishes mandatory licensing standards and safety training requirements for tow truck operators, improving workplace safety and professional standards for workers in the towing industry.75% confidence

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 2, 2026

SB 3164: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- ASSAULTS

This bill proposes to classify assault on a railroad worker that causes personal injury as a felony offense. The legislation amends existing assault laws to include railroad workers alongside other protected officials, such as police officers and firefighters, when they are performing their duties. If someone strikes or sprays a railroad worker with a noxious chemical and causes bodily harm, they could face up to three years in prison, a fine of $1,500, or both. The law applies only when the railroad worker is on duty and proper identification is shown. This change would take effect immediately upon the bill's passage.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal justice by classifying assault on railroad workers as a felony, enhancing protection for public safety workers and increasing penalties for harmful acts.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill strengthens workplace safety by classifying assault on railroad workers as a felony, protecting workers' rights during duty performance.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances safety for railroad workers by criminalizing assaults, protecting transportation infrastructure personnel and promoting safer rail operations.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Policing Violent Crime Rail

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 11, 2026

SB 2828: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- THE RHODE ISLAND WORKS PROGRAM

Amends the Rhode Island works program to increases the monthly cash benefit to one hundred percent (100%) of the federal poverty level effective July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill expands benefits to lawful permanent residents by removing waiting periods and increasing cash benefits, directly supporting immigrant access to state services.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill expands unemployment benefits to lawful permanent residents and increases cash benefit amounts, directly strengthening worker support and employment assistance.90% confidence

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 2973: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

This bill requires landlords managing six or more residential units to place tenant security deposits in federally insured interest-bearing accounts, with all accrued interest belonging to the tenant. It maintains existing rules that limit security deposits to one month's rent and outlines specific deductions for unpaid rent, cleaning, trash disposal, and damages beyond ordinary wear and tear. Landlords must return the deposit plus any interest within 20 days of lease termination, while tenants of smaller properties remain unaffected by the interest requirement. The legislation also clarifies that furniture security deposits are permitted for furnished apartments with replacement values of $5,000 or more, provided they follow similar return timelines and deduction rules.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens tenant protections by requiring interest-bearing security deposit accounts and ensuring tenants receive accrued interest, directly benefiting housing stability.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill protects tenant security deposits and requires interest to belong to tenants, strengthening financial protections for workers in residential employment contexts.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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