Labor & Employment

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 22, 2026

SB 3119: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MUNICIPAL POLICE ARBITRATION

Extends provisions of an existing collective bargaining agreement for municipal police arbitration purposes until a successor agreement is reached or an interest arbitration award is rendered.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill extends collective bargaining agreement provisions for municipal police, supporting labor relations and protecting workers' rights through arbitration mechanisms.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 14, 2026

SB 2818: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- RETIREMENT SYSTEM -- CONTRIBUTIONS AND BENEFITS

Provides that retirees in the state pension system receive cost of living adjustments compounded into the retiree’s total retirement benefits each year beginning January 1, 2026. This act would be prospective only.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill provides cost of living adjustments to retirees, strengthening retirement benefits and protecting workers' financial security.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Retirement Benefits

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 11, 2026

SB 3152: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- STATE POLICE

This bill modifies retirement benefits for Rhode Island State Police members, affecting both current and former officers. It establishes new rules for calculating retirement pay based on years of service and defines how "whole salary" is determined for different retirement periods, including provisions for overtime pay starting in 2026. The legislation also creates a guaranteed annual benefit adjustment of $1,500 for eligible retirees beginning July 1, 2026, and allows certain members to purchase credit for military service at a 10% cost.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill increases retirement benefits for state police officers, expanding worker benefits and protecting retired workers' financial security.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Labor Standards

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SR 3068: SENATE RESOLUTION AFFIRMING THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND'S COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTING WOMEN IN THE BUILDING TRADES AND EXPANDING EQUITABLE ACCESS TO CAREERS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

This Senate resolution affirms Rhode Island's commitment to supporting women in the construction trades and expanding equitable access to careers in the industry. It recognizes current underrepresentation of women in construction and highlights the benefits of unionized apprenticeship programs, which offer family-sustaining wages and benefits without student loan debt. The resolution calls for continued support of union efforts to recruit, train, and retain women while directing the Secretary of State to share the document with relevant construction councils.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill affirms commitment to supporting women in construction trades, expanding equitable access to careers, and highlights benefits of unionized apprenticeship programs with family-sustaining wages and benefits.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Collective Bargaining

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 8311: 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 & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill mandates employer protections for workers against extreme temperatures, including rest breaks, PPE, training, and equipment, directly strengthening workplace safety standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Workplace Safety

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 8, 2026

SB 2922: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- THE RHODE ISLAND CENTER FOR EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP

This bill creates the Rhode Island Center for Employee Ownership (RICEO) to help small businesses transition to employee-owned models where workers hold shares in their companies. The center will operate under the existing Business Development Center and provide technical assistance, referrals, and guidance to business owners and employees interested in employee ownership structures. A new advisory committee with representatives from state agencies, labor groups, and business organizations will oversee the center's work and promote awareness of employee ownership as a solution to small business succession challenges. The legislation aims to support Rhode Island's small business community by offering resources that help retain businesses locally while creating new ownership opportunities for workers.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill creates center to help workers transition to employee ownership models, expanding worker benefits and equity in businesses.85% confidence

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passed · Rhode Island · House Mar 5, 2026

HR 8237: HOUSE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING THE 28TH ANNUAL "WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WEEK" ON MARCH 1-7, 2026, IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill is a ceremonial resolution that officially recognizes and celebrates the 28th Annual "Women in Construction Week" in Rhode Island from March 1-7, 2026. It honors the National Association of Women in Construction Rhode Island Chapter 52 for its long-standing efforts to promote women's employment and advancement in the construction industry. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the organization and encourages state citizens to acknowledge the group's contributions to community development and skilled trades promotion.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill promotes women's employment and advancement in construction industry through recognition and celebration of Women in Construction Week75% confidence

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 8330: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- HEALTHY AND SAFE FAMILIES AND WORKPLACES ACT

Requires employers to provide full-time employees four (4) hours of paid leave once a year to donate blood through and any approved blood donation program.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill expands worker benefits by mandating paid blood donation leave, strengthening employee rights and workplace support.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Paid Leave

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 19, 2026

SB 2662: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM

Allows Rhode Island employers can help pay employees’ student loans in high-need fields if they work full-time for 2 years in undeserved areas and are in an income driven repayment plan. RISLA must provide annual reporting.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationReduces student debt barriers for employees in high-need fields, expanding access to education careers in underserved areas through employer-sponsored repayment.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProvides employer-sponsored student loan repayment as a worker benefit in high-need fields, expanding non-wage employment incentives.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 29, 2026

SB 2501: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- COUNCIL ON POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

SB 2501 changes when state employees can negotiate salary boosts tied to years of service. Starting July 1, 2026, non-classified state employees (excluding faculty and those already receiving such boosts) will be allowed to negotiate "longevity payments" of 5% after 10 years and 10% after 20 years of service. The bill explicitly ends the current ban on new longevity increases (in place since 2011) and allows future collective bargaining agreements to include these provisions. It applies broadly to state employees across education boards, government agencies, and other state departments.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentEnds 2011 ban on longevity pay, enabling collective bargaining for 5-10% service-based raises after 10/20 years. Directly advances compensation rights for state employees.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining

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