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Rhode IslandH51872025 Regular SessionHouse

AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- LABOR RELATIONS ACT .

Sponsored By: Arthur J. Corvese (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

More Workers Get State Union Protections

Rhode Island protects organizing and choosing bargaining representatives for employees not already protected by the federal labor board. Covered employees include people who work under another person's control or right of control for pay or other compensation. This expressly includes student teaching assistants, research assistants, fellows, residential assistants, and proctors, even when work supports their studies. The law takes effect upon passage.

Stronger Remedies for Workers Facing Labor Violations

When Rhode Island's Labor Relations Board finds an unfair labor practice, it can award back pay with interest and reinstatement. Winning parties can also receive attorneys' fees and costs as part of relief that makes up for their losses. The Board must create a process for employers and employee groups to request temporary relief while a charge is pending. It can issue and enforce that relief before deciding the charge. A pending grievance on the same or a similar issue does not block the Board from issuing a complaint or ruling.

Employers Face Labor Penalties and Court Costs

Employers found to commit unfair labor practices face civil penalties up to $1,000 per affected bargaining-unit member, capped at $100,000 total. The Board considers the employer's annual budget, the violation's severity, and past violations when setting the penalty. Penalties go to Rhode Island's general fund, not directly to workers. Courts must award the Board its attorneys' fees and costs when it wins a case enforcing its order. The same rule applies when the Board wins while defending its decision against an employer's court challenge.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Arthur J. Corvese

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Samuel A. Azzinaro

    Democratic • House

  • David A. Bennett

    Democratic • House

  • Anthony J. DeSimone

    Democratic • House

  • Raymond A. Hull

    Democratic • House

  • Jon D. Brien

    Independent • House

  • Thomas E. Noret

    Democratic • House

  • William W. O'Brien

    Democratic • House

  • Brandon C. Potter

    Democratic • House

  • Earl A. Read, III

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 129 • No: 13

House vote • 6/18/2025

LABOR RELATIONS ACT PASSAGE AS AMENDED

Yes: 67 • No: 6

House vote • 6/18/2025

LABOR RELATIONS ACT PASSAGE PASSAGE OF AMENDMENT

Yes: 62 • No: 7

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 418

    7/2/2025Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/27/2025Governor

  3. Senate passed Sub A as amended in concurrence

    6/20/2025Senate

  4. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/20/2025)

    6/18/2025Senate

  5. House passed Sub A as amended (floor amendment)

    6/18/2025House

  6. Placed on House Calendar (06/18/2025)

    6/16/2025House

  7. Committee recommends passage of Sub A

    6/16/2025

  8. Proposed Substitute

    6/13/2025

  9. Scheduled for consideration (06/16/2025)

    6/13/2025

  10. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    2/12/2025

  11. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/12/2025)

    2/7/2025

  12. Introduced, referred to House Labor

    1/24/2025House

Bill Text

  • H5187 - As Introduced

    1/24/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • H5187 - Substitute

    1/24/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • H5187 - Substitute As Amended

    1/24/2025

    HTMLPDF

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