Labor & Employment (Professional Licensing)

This bill creates a tax credit for businesses in Rhode Island that transition to employee ownership models, such as employee stock ownership plans, worker cooperatives, or employee ownership trusts. The credit covers up to 50% of conversion costs, with a maximum of $100,000 for full employee ownership transitions or $25,000 for partial equity structures, and allows an additional $25,000 credit for expanding existing employee ownership programs. To qualify, businesses must grant at least 20% ownership rights to eligible workers and provide them with decision-making rights comparable to current shareholders. The tax credit applies to income tax years between January 1, 2026, and January 1, 2029, and requires businesses to apply through the state Department of Revenue for certification.

This bill requires state and municipal public works projects involving glazing work to hire certified workers from North American Contractor Certification companies and increase the number of certified architectural glass and metal technicians on site over time. Projects over one million dollars for renovations or five million dollars for new construction must employ at least one certified worker starting July 1, 2024, with the requirement growing to 25% of the crew by January 2026 and 50% by January 2027. The Department of Labor and Training is responsible for enforcing these rules, conducting hearings for violations, and imposing penalties of up to $3,000 or license revocation for intentional or egregious noncompliance. The law defines glazing work to include windows, curtain walls, glass partitions, and other architectural glass installations across all public entities including schools and municipalities.

Establishes the commercial kitchen exhaust system inspection and cleaning licensing and certification act. Requires entities inspecting or cleaning commercial exhaust systems to be licensed and insured.

HB 7938 requires the state department of health to administer the licensing exam for certified nursing assistants in both English and Spanish. This directly affects nursing assistants seeking licensure, particularly Spanish-speaking applicants, by improving access to the exam. The bill mandates that the exam be offered in both languages without changing the content or requirements for passing. It takes effect upon passage and does not alter other provisions like fee structures or exemptions.