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Rhode IslandS27352026 Regular SessionSenate

AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- STATE PURCHASES .

Sponsored By: John P. Burke (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

PLAs required on big state projects

State agencies must use a project labor agreement (PLA) on state construction jobs worth $25 million or more, unless they issue a written exemption at least 90 days before bids. A PLA is a pre‑hire deal with at least four construction labor groups that sets job terms. Every PLA must bind all contractors and subs, allow union and nonunion firms to bid, ban strikes and lockouts, use fast, binding dispute steps, and set at least 15% of the project workforce as registered apprentices. If no PLA is used, bidders must file a certified craft staffing plan that lists training programs and where they will get enough skilled workers; the agency reviews it when judging responsibility. Agencies may also choose to use PLAs on smaller projects. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation is not covered by these PLA rules.

PLAs required on big state-funded local builds

Local projects must use a PLA when construction costs are $25 million or more and the state funds at least 35% of the construction budget, unless exempted. Local PLAs must bind all contractors and subs, allow open bidding, ban strikes and lockouts, use fast, binding dispute steps, and set at least 15% registered apprentices on the job. If no PLA is used, bidders must submit a certified craft staffing plan that shows training programs and recruiting sources to meet the schedule, and the local agency must approve it. To skip a PLA, the responsible agency must issue a written decision at least 90 days before bids explaining why a PLA would not ensure enough qualified craft workers. Cities and towns may also choose to use PLAs on other suitable projects, and they follow the state’s coordination rules for municipal PLAs.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • John P. Burke

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Jacob Bissaillon

    Democratic • Senate

  • Stefano V. Famiglietti

    Democratic • Senate

  • Todd M. Patalano

    Democratic • Senate

  • Leonidas P. Raptakis

    Democratic • Senate

  • Brian J. Thompson

    Democratic • Senate

  • David P. Tikoian

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 75 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/10/2026

PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENTS Approval of Amendment Passage

Yes: 37 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/10/2026

PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENTS Passage as Amended Passage

Yes: 38 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 090

    6/18/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/16/2026Governor

  3. House passed Sub A as amended in concurrence

    6/11/2026House

  4. Placed on House Calendar (06/11/2026)

    6/10/2026House

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

    6/10/2026Senate

  6. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/10/2026)

    6/4/2026Senate

  7. Committee recommends passage of Sub A

    6/4/2026

  8. Proposed Substitute

    6/3/2026

  9. Scheduled for consideration (06/04/2026)

    6/2/2026

  10. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    3/25/2026

  11. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/25/2026)

    3/20/2026

  12. Introduced, referred to Senate Labor and Gaming

    2/27/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • S2735 - As Introduced

    2/27/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • S2735 - Substitute

    2/27/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • S2735 - Substitute As Amended

    2/27/2026

    HTMLPDF

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