Rhode IslandS29212026 Regular SessionSenate

AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- FAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES .

Sponsored By: Melissa A. Murray (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New protections for pregnancy, gender, and hair

The law protects workers from job bias based on pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical needs. Employers must treat pregnant workers the same for all job decisions and fringe benefits as others with similar ability to work. It also bans discrimination based on gender identity or expression, including how you look or identify. Race bias now includes hair texture and protective styles like locks, cornrows, twists, braids, Bantu knots, and Afros.

Domestic workers now protected as employees

The law treats people who work in private homes as employees under state job bias rules. Covered employers must follow nondiscrimination and accommodation rules for these workers. Households are covered only if they employ four or more people in Rhode Island. Workers employed by their parent, spouse, or child are still excluded.

Job bias rules cover 4+ employee workplaces

If you employ four or more people in Rhode Island, you are an employer under the state’s job bias law. Your workplace must follow its nondiscrimination and accommodation rules. Employees at these workplaces gain protection under the law. The state and all cities and towns are also covered. Religious corporations, associations, schools, or societies are exempt when hiring people of their own religion for work tied to their activities.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Melissa A. Murray
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Alana M. DiMario
Democratic • Senate
Dawn Euer
Democratic • Senate
Victoria Gu
Democratic • Senate
Pamela J. Lauria
Democratic • Senate
Tiara T. Mack
Democratic • Senate
Brian J. Thompson
Democratic • Senate
Linda L. Ujifusa
Democratic • Senate
Bridget Valverde
Democratic • Senate
Lammis J. Vargas
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 128 • No: 9

House vote • 6/8/2026

FAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 56 • No: 9

Senate vote • 5/28/2026

FAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES Passage

Yes: 36 • No: 0