All Roll Calls
Yes: 130 • No: 12
Rhode IslandH56792025 Regular SessionHouse
AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- PAYMENT OF WAGES .
Sponsored By: Joshua J. Giraldo (Democratic)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Workers get clearer written pay details
Effective upon passage, this Rhode Island law requires detailed wage statements each payday and written notices when employees start work. Wage statements must show gross and net pay, total hours, pay-period dates, and each deduction’s amount and purpose. They must list each hourly rate and hours worked at that rate, plus piece-rate units and rates when applicable. Statements must identify the employer’s legal name and address and the employee’s name. Employee identifiers must use only the last four Social Security number digits or a separate employee identification number. Statements come attached to the payment document, or separately for cash or personal checks; electronic statements are also allowed. Employees who request paper and give written authorization must receive a free printed or handwritten record. Employers must keep statement copies and dated deduction records in ink or another permanent form. Copies can be duplicates or accurate computer-generated records. At hiring, employees must receive an English notice listing pay rates, how pay is calculated, and when additional rates apply. It must cover claimed meal or lodging allowances, possible deductions, and policies on sick, vacation, personal leave, holidays, and hours. It must state employment status and whether the employee is exempt from minimum wage, overtime, or both. It must list the pay period’s length in days, regular payday, and first payday. It must include the employer’s legal and operating names, main office’s physical address, mailing address if different, and telephone number. Employers must keep a copy signed by the employee acknowledging receipt.
Workers lose three-year payroll record protection
Effective upon passage, the law removes this chapter’s express three-year requirement for keeping accurate records of employees’ hours and wages. Employers must still keep wage statement copies and deduction records, but the amended text sets no retention period. Employees lose that specific guarantee that older payroll records remain available.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Joshua J. Giraldo
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Karen Alzate
Democratic • House
Nathan W. Biah
Democratic • House
Leonela Felix
Democratic • House
David Morales
Democratic • House
Brandon C. Potter
Democratic • House
Teresa A. Tanzi
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 6/18/2025
PAYMENT OF WAGES PASSAGE PASSAGE OF AMENDMENT
Yes: 64 • No: 5
House vote • 6/18/2025
PAYMENT OF WAGES PASSAGE AS AMENDED
Yes: 66 • No: 7
Actions Timeline
Effective without Governor's signature — Chapter 337
7/1/2025GovernorTransmitted to Governor
6/23/2025GovernorSenate passed Sub A as amended in concurrence
6/20/2025SenatePlaced on Senate Calendar (06/20/2025)
6/18/2025SenateHouse passed Sub A as amended (floor amendment)
6/18/2025HousePlaced on House Calendar (06/18/2025)
6/13/2025HouseCommittee recommends passage of Sub A
6/10/2025Proposed Substitute
6/8/2025Scheduled for consideration (06/10/2025)
6/6/2025Committee recommended measure be held for further study
3/5/2025Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/05/2025)
2/28/2025Introduced, referred to House Labor
2/26/2025House
Bill Text
H5679 - As Introduced
2/26/2025
H5679 - Substitute
2/26/2025
H5679 - Substitute As Amended
2/26/2025
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