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Rhode IslandH60662025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- TEMPORARY DISABILITY INSURANCE -- GENERAL PROVISIONS .

Sponsored By: Joshua J. Giraldo (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Higher disability benefit rates for workers

For benefit years starting January 1, 2026, Rhode Island sets weekly disability benefits at 85% of average weekly wages. This replaces the calculation using 4.62% of wages in the worker’s highest-paid base-period quarter. Benefits are rounded up to the next whole dollar. The existing maximum weekly benefit still applies.

Longer caregiver benefits cover more relationships

Beginning January 1, 2025, Rhode Island caregiver benefits also cover care for seriously ill siblings, grandchildren, and designated care recipients. A care recipient is someone whose health or safety care the worker provides or arranges. Covered workers must be unable to do their regular work because of the leave. Beginning January 1, 2026, eligible workers can receive up to eight weeks of caregiver benefits per benefit year. That is one week more than the seven-week limit in 2025.

Payment limits for workers claiming benefits

Beginning January 1, 2025, weekly disability benefits plus dependent allowances cannot exceed the claimant’s last weekly wage. Allowances cover up to five dependents, each receiving the greater of $20 weekly or 7% of the benefit rate. Beginning that date, combined caregiver and disability payments also cannot exceed the annual disability benefit maximum. This replaces the combined limit of 30 times the claimant’s weekly benefit rate. The supplied text does not give the new annual dollar limit or show whether it raises or lowers payments.

Missed filings cost self-employed participants benefits

Self-employed participants lose benefit eligibility when required quarterly reports are missing or contributions are late or unpaid. Eligibility returns after missing reports are filed and all outstanding amounts are paid. Each reporting failure carries a $10 penalty, plus a 10% penalty on contributions due when contributions are owed. Overdue contributions or payments also accrue interest at 1.5% per month until paid. Unpaid contributions and penalties can be collected through a civil case.

Self-employed coverage requires a multiyear commitment

Beginning January 1, 2026, self-employed Rhode Island residents and sole proprietors can enroll in disability and caregiver coverage. They must file an enrollment form with the department and commit to at least three years. Coverage then renews automatically for periods of at least one year. Withdrawal requires written notice at least 30 days before the period ends, unless department rules allow another time. Participants without qualifying base-period wages from prior employment must contribute for 12 months before benefits become available.

Workers get a disability contribution ceiling

Beginning January 1, 2026, Rhode Island caps wages subject to disability insurance contributions at the federal Social Security wage base. Wages above that year’s federal base are not subject to these contributions. The law does not state a dollar amount for any resulting savings.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Joshua J. Giraldo

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Karen Alzate

    Democratic • House

  • David Morales

    Democratic • House

  • Brandon C. Potter

    Democratic • House

  • Jennifer A. Stewart

    Democratic • House

  • Brandon T. Voas

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 97 • No: 9

Senate vote • 6/21/2025

LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- TEMPORARY DISABILITY INSURANCE In Concurrence Passage

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 6/18/2025

TEMPORARY DISABILITY INSURANCE PASSAGE

Yes: 63 • No: 9

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 237

    6/26/2025Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/23/2025Governor

  3. Senate passed Sub A in concurrence

    6/21/2025Senate

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

    6/18/2025Senate

  5. House passed Sub A

    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

    4/9/2025

  11. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/09/2025)

    4/4/2025

  12. Introduced, referred to House Labor

    3/12/2025House

Bill Text

  • H6066 - As Introduced

    3/12/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • H6066 - Substitute

    3/12/2025

    HTMLPDF

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