Rhode Island
Rhode Island: Legislative Updates
|
APPLIES TO All Employers with Employees in RI |
EFFECTIVE As Indicated |
QUESTIONS? Contact HR On-Call |
Quick Look
|
Discussion
The Rhode Island General Assembly wrapped up its 2026 legislative session, passing several bills impacting employers, while also declining to advance a number of other notable proposals. Key enactments and failed bills are summarized below.
Domestic Service Workers Added to FEPA Coverage. Effective June 10, 2026, H8504 amends the definition of “employee” under the Rhode Island Fair Employment Practices Act (FEPA) to include individuals employed in domestic service. This continues a recent legislative trend of extending standard workplace protections to domestic workers; Rhode Island previously amended its minimum wage law to cover domestic workers in 2024.
Restrictions on Self-Service Checkout Stations. Effective January 1, 2027, H7290A places limits on the number of self-service checkout stations a grocery store may operate and on the workload of employees assigned to monitor those stations. Grocery stores must maintain a minimum of one manual checkout station in operation for every three self-service checkout stations in operation, and at least one manual checkout station must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Warehouse Worker Protection Act. Also effective January 1, 2027, H7364A requires employers to provide each warehouse distribution center employee, upon hire, with a written description of each applicable production quota within defined time periods, along with the adverse employment action that may result from failing to meet the quota. The law also prohibits employers from imposing quotas that prevent employees from taking required meal and rest periods or using the bathroom.
Bills That Failed to Pass. Several other proposals affecting employers did not advance this session, though employers should monitor future sessions given the state’s continued interest in these areas:
- H8505 | A proposed Workplace Psychological Safety Act, which would have prohibited workplace bullying and psychological abuse, failed in the House after lawmakers were unable to fully address concerns raised by business and civil-rights groups.
- H7490 | A bill that would have required certain employers to pay overtime to otherwise exempt executive, administrative, or professional employees whose salaries fall below specified multipliers of minimum wage failed to pass.
- H7767 | A bill establishing a comprehensive framework to regulate employer use of AI-driven automated decision systems and electronic monitoring in employment decisions, including notice, recordkeeping, and anti-retaliation requirements, passed the Senate but failed to gain traction in the House.
- H7968 | A bill that would have expanded the state’s temporary caregiver leave program, including broadening who qualifies as a care recipient and increasing benefit duration, passed the Senate but failed in the House.
Action Items
- Employers of domestic service workers should review policies and practices to ensure compliance with FEPA’s anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation requirements.
- Prepare written quota disclosures for new hires and review existing quota practices for compliance with meal, rest, and restroom break protections, as applicable.
- Evaluate self-service checkout station ratios and staffing practices for compliance, as applicable.
- Have appropriate personnel trained on all updated requirements.
Disclaimer: This document is designed to provide general information and guidance concerning employment-related issues. It is presented with the understanding that ManagEase is not engaged in rendering any legal opinions. If a legal opinion is needed, please contact the services of your own legal adviser. © 2026 ManagEase