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Rhode IslandH60652025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS – RHODE ISLAND BONE MARROW AND ORGAN DONOR LEAVE ACT .

Sponsored By: Joshua J. Giraldo (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Rhode Island workers get protected donor leave

Effective upon passage, the law gives covered full-time employees averaging at least 30 hours weekly medical leave for donation. It covers private employers with at least 50 employees, Rhode Island state government, and municipalities or municipal agencies with at least 30 employees. Workers get up to 30 days for living organ donation or 5 days for bone marrow donation. Leave covers donation-related tests, procedures, surgery, and recovery; the law does not specify whether leave is paid. Returning workers must get their old job or an equivalent job, with equivalent pay, seniority, status, benefits, and employment terms. Workers keep benefits earned before leave, but generally gain no benefits beyond those they otherwise receive. More generous union agreements and employment benefit plans remain protected.

Workers can enforce donor leave rights

Employers cannot block donor leave rights or punish workers for using or trying to use them, or opposing unlawful practices. Workers or the labor department director can bring a civil action in Rhode Island Superior Court to enforce the law or director’s orders. After written notice and a chance to be heard, the director can stop unlawful acts, issue orders, and adopt rules. Covered employers must keep department-approved notices posted where employees and applicants normally see notices, explaining rights and civil actions. Violations of the law or director’s orders carry penalties up to $1,000 per violation; each continuing day counts separately. Willful posting violations carry a separate penalty of up to $100 per offense.

Donor health coverage requires upfront premiums

Employers must keep workers’ existing health benefits during covered donor leave as though they had kept working. Before leave starts, workers must pay the employer the premium needed to maintain coverage during leave. The employer must return that payment within 10 days after the worker returns to work.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Joshua J. Giraldo

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Karen Alzate

    Democratic • House

  • Cherie L. Cruz

    Democratic • House

  • Jenni A. Furtado

    Democratic • House

  • Arthur Handy

    Democratic • House

  • Michelle E. McGaw

    Democratic • House

  • Joseph M. McNamara

    Democratic • House

  • Brandon C. Potter

    Democratic • House

  • Scott A. Slater

    Democratic • House

  • June Speakman

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 144 • No: 0

House vote • 6/20/2025

BONE MARROW/ORGAN DONOR ACT PASSAGE PASSAGE OF AMENDMENT

Yes: 71 • No: 0

House vote • 6/20/2025

BONE MARROW/ORGAN DONOR ACT PASSAGE AS AMENDED

Yes: 73 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 380

    7/1/2025Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/25/2025Governor

  3. Senate passed as amended in concurrence

    6/20/2025Senate

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

    6/20/2025Senate

  5. House passed as amended (floor amendment)

    6/20/2025House

  6. Placed on House Calendar (06/20/2025)

    6/19/2025House

  7. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    3/19/2025

  8. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/19/2025)

    3/14/2025

  9. Introduced, referred to House Labor

    3/12/2025House

Bill Text

  • H6065 - As Amended

    3/12/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • H6065 - As Introduced

    3/12/2025

    HTMLPDF

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