Labor & Employment

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 26, 2026

HB 8506: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- RELATING TO CENTRAL FALLS PENSION PLAN

Amends the terms of the pension plan set forth in the respective collective bargaining agreements in effect on July 1, 2026, between Central Falls and the labor organizations representing members of the Central Falls plan.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill amends pension plan terms under collective bargaining agreements, directly supporting worker benefits and collective bargaining rights.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 26, 2026

SB 3252: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- RELATING TO CENTRAL FALLS PENSION PLAN

Amends the terms of the pension plan set forth in the respective collective bargaining agreements in effect on July 1, 2026, between Central Falls and the labor organizations representing members of the Central Falls plan.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill amends pension plan terms in collective bargaining agreements, directly protecting worker benefits and supporting labor organization negotiations.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

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 | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

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 | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 7683: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- TEACHERS' RETIREMENT

HB 7683 increases the minimum monthly death benefits for spouses, domestic partners, and former spouses of deceased teachers. The bill raises the lowest benefit tier from $825 to $1,025 per month for those with a deceased member's salary of $17,000 or less, with proportional increases across all salary brackets. It applies to individuals who were living with the deceased teacher at death or receiving support, and who meet age and remarriage requirements. Benefits will adjust annually based on Social Security cost-of-living changes. The bill takes effect upon passage.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases state spending on teacher retirement benefits by raising minimum death benefits, directly allocating additional funds for survivor support within public sector fiscal management.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationIncreases teacher retirement death benefits, directly supporting educator financial security and family welfare through enhanced survivor protections.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentIncreases death benefits for teachers' dependents, expanding post-employment financial protection under employment standards.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 10, 2026

SB 2885: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- ASBESTOS ABATEMENT

This bill updates health and safety laws to remove outdated language and clarify requirements for asbestos removal and radon control. It directly affects property owners, contractors, and health officials who manage buildings with potential asbestos or radon hazards. The legislation aims to modernize existing regulations by ensuring current standards are clearly defined and consistently applied. By refining these rules, the bill seeks to improve safety protocols without changing the fundamental approach to managing these environmental risks.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill improves workplace safety standards for asbestos and radon, directly protecting workers' health and safety in occupational settings.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 10, 2026

HB 7926: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- ASBESTOS ABATEMENT

HB 7926 clarifies and updates existing rules for asbestos removal and radon control by removing outdated language from current regulations. It affects contractors and building owners who perform asbestos abatement or radon mitigation work. The bill makes the requirements clearer and easier to follow without changing the core safety standards. Introduced in February 2026, it focuses on regulatory clarity rather than creating new obligations.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentClarifies asbestos safety regulations, ensuring clearer compliance for workers' safety without weakening standards.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 7938: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- REGISTRATION OF NURSING ASSISTANTS -- QUALIFYING LANGUAGE

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.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates bilingual licensing exams for nursing assistants, improving access for Spanish-speaking applicants and enhancing healthcare workforce diversity without altering requirements.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMakes licensing exam accessible in Spanish, removing language barrier for nursing assistants seeking employment.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

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