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

SB 1113 requires contractors working on Rhode Island public projects (like construction or school transportation) to provide actual healthcare and pension benefits to employees instead of paying cash equivalents. Specifically, starting July 1, 2024, contractors cannot pay employees cash for healthcare benefits (except for those employed 90 days or less), and starting July 1, 2025, they cannot pay cash for pension benefits (again, except for short-term employees). Contractors must provide proof of actual benefit purchases to employees and their bargaining agents, and violations carry $1,000-$3,000 penalties per incident. The bill directly affects public works contractors and their employees, ensuring benefits are delivered as intended rather than replaced with cash.