​The Rhode Island Division of Taxation has posted a plain-language summary of key tax provisions that were enacted in the 2022 session of the Rhode Island General Assembly.
 
Most of the tax changes were enacted in the budget bill for the 2023 fiscal year. Some of the changes were enacted in stand-alone legislation.
 
View a copy of the Division's Summary of Legislative Changes: https://tax.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur541/files/2022-07/ADV_2022_17_summary_of_legislative_changes.pdf

​Under the Dome New Law 2022 Wrap Up
 
We, at the Chamber, hope you are enjoying your summer.  The House and Senate have been transmitting bills periodically to Governor McKee for his consideration.  As explained earlier, this is a normal process to avoid inundating the Governor with hundreds of bills to sign, veto or allow to go into law without his signature, within a seven-day period.  It is finally time to release a list of 30 new laws passed in 2022 that touch the business community.  There are many other laws that passed this year, but in the interest of time and space, we have limited the report to these 30 new laws.  We have included the names of the sponsors of each bill to assist you in your election considerations this year.
 
Labor Laws
 
Senate Bill No. 2242  Chapter 074,  Burke, Archambault, DiMario, Valverde, Coyne, Ciccone, Raptakis, McCaffrey, Cano, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MINIMUM WAGES (Repeals § 28-12-9 of the general laws which provides that the director of labor and training may approve of wages below the minimum wage for those persons whose earning capacity is impaired due to physical or mental disability.)  House Bill No. 7511  Chapter 073,  Shekarchi, Ackerman, Bennett, McNamara, Shanley, Messier, Azzinaro, Kennedy, Serpa, Batista, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MINIMUM WAGES (Repeals § 28-12-9 of the general laws which provides that the director of labor and training may approve of wages below the minimum wage for those persons whose earning capacity is impaired due to physical or mental disability.)
 
Senate Bill No. 2246  SUB A  Chapter 246,  Kallman, Coyne, Sosnowski, Goodwin, Acosta, Zurier, Mack, Cano, DiPalma, Seveney, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS - TIP PROTECTION (Prohibits employers from receiving any portion of the tips given by customers to their tipped employees, with limited exceptions for credit card service charges.)  House Bill No. 7510  SUB A  Chapter 245,  Morales, Felix, Williams, Alzate, Kislak, Tanzi, Speakman, Henries, Vella-Wilkinson, McEntee, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS - TIP PROTECTION (Prohibits employers from receiving any portion of the tips given by customers to their tipped employees, with limited exceptions for credit card service charges.)
 
Senate Bill No. 2412  SUB A as amended  Chapter 233, Cano, Quezada, Lawson, Kallman, Ciccone, Burke, DiPalma, Murray, Acosta, Euer, AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- BUILDING SERVICE WORK (Requires that janitors and security guards employed, pursuant to state contracts worth more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) of janitorial or security services, be paid a standard compensation rate.)  House Bill No. 7200  SUB A as amended  Chapter 232, Diaz, Slater, Amore, Morales, Biah, Alzate, Cortvriend, Kazarian, Batista, AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- BUILDING SERVICE WORK (Requires that janitors and security guards employed, pursuant to state contracts worth more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) of janitorial or security services, be paid a standard compensation rate.)
 
Senate Bill No. 2418  SUB A  Chapter 082,  Gallo, Pearson, Goodwin, Lombardo, Murray, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- EMPLOYMENT OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN (Requires children who seek a special limited work permit to successfully complete a worker rights' training program established and funded by the department of labor and training.)  House Bill No. 6652  Chapter 081,  Noret, Casimiro, Vella-Wilkinson, Alzate, Solomon, Craven, Amore, Casey, S Lima, J Lombardi, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- EMPLOYMENT OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN (Same as 21H-5619 -- Requires children who seek a special limited work permit to successfully complete a training program which shall address workers' rights, workplace health and safety, and workers' compensation, to be established and funded by the DLT.)
 
Senate Bill No. 2551  SUB B  Chapter 272,  Kallman, McCaffrey, Gallo, DiMario, Ruggerio, Miller, Lawson, Valverde, Seveney, Lombardo, AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- REBUILD RHODE ISLAND TAX CREDIT (Defines "construction worker" and provides for wage and benefits in accordance with chapter 13 of title 37.)  House Bill No. 7985  SUB A  Chapter 271,  Potter, Alzate, Slater, Diaz, Bennett, J Lombardi, Amore, Henries, Morales, O'Brien, AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- REBUILD RHODE ISLAND TAX CREDIT (Requires that all entities receiving tax credits from the state pay their workers the prevailing wage or other payments pursuant to § 37-13. This act would also allow the revocation of the tax credits for violation of this act.)  These bills are identical.
 
Senate Bill No. 2666  SUB A  Chapter 116,   DiPalma, Seveney, Cano, Quezada, Gallo, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND TRAINING--DIGITAL CREDENTIALING (Mandates the department of labor and training to require publicly funded workforce and training programs to supplement all paper-based credentials with verified electronic credentials.)  House Bill No. 8056  SUB A  Chapter 115,  Messier, Fellela, Barros, Baginski, Alzate, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND TRAINING--DIGITAL CREDENTIALING (Mandates the department of labor and training to require publicly funded workforce and training programs to supplement all paper-based credentials with verified electronic credentials.)
 
Senate Bill No. 2816  SUB A  Chapter 118, (Dept. of Labor and Training)  Goodwin, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- EMPLOYMENT SECURITY -- GENERAL PROVISIONS (Extends until June 30, 2023, an increase in the total amount of earnings a partial-unemployment insurance claimant can receive before being entirely disqualified for unemployment insurance benefits.)  House Bill No. 7863  SUB A  Chapter 117, (Dept. of Labor and Training)  McEntee, Caldwell, Morales, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- EMPLOYMENT SECURITY--GENERAL PROVISIONS (Extends until June 30, 2023, an increase in the total amount of earnings a partial-unemployment insurance claimant can receive before being entirely disqualified for unemployment insurance benefits.)
 
Senate Bill No. 2977  Chapter 248,  Ciccone, F Lombardi, McCaffrey, Goodwin, de la Cruz, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- WORKERS' COMPENSATION (This act is the annual workers' compensation omnibus.)  House Bill No. 8259  Chapter 247, Williams, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- WORKERS' COMPENSATION (This act is the annual workers' compensation omnibus.)
 
Environmental Laws
 
Senate Bill No. 2044  SUB A  Chapter 293,  Seveney, DiPalma, Euer, DiMario, Cano, Kallman, Coyne, Miller, Pearson, McCaffrey, AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- TOXIC PACKAGING REDUCTION ACT (Prohibits the sale or promotional distribution of any food package in Rhode Island which contains perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), effective January 1, 2024.)  House Bill No. 7438  SUB A  Chapter 294,  Cortvriend, Speakman, Carson, Morales, Marszalkowski, McGaw, Ruggiero, Fogarty, Donovan, Kislak, AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- TOXIC PACKAGING REDUCTION ACT (Prohibits the sale or promotional distribution of any food package containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), effective January 1, 2024. Provisions of § 23-18.13-3(g)(3) sunset on July 1, 2027.)
 
Senate Bill No. 2274  SUB A as amended  Chapter 218,  Ruggerio, McCaffrey, Goodwin, Euer, Kallman, DiMario, Gallo, Miller, Sosnowski, Felag, AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RENEWABLE ENERGY (Increases the percentage of retail electricity sales from renewable energy sources.)  House Bill No. 7277  SUB A  Chapter 226,  Ruggiero, Bennett, Handy, Potter, Hull, Diaz, Kazarian, Speakman, Carson, Donovan, AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS-RENEWABLE ENERGY (Increases the percentage of retail electricity sales from renewable energy sources.)
 
Senate Bill No. 2446  Chapter 176,  Ruggerio, McCaffrey, Goodwin, Gallo, DiMario, Kallman, Miller, Burke, Sosnowski, Lawson, AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - PLASTIC WASTE REDUCTION ACT (Creates the "Plastic Waste Reduction Act" designed to reduce the use of plastic bags by retail establishments by offering recyclable bag options and providing penalties for violations.) 
House Bill No. 7065  SUB A  Chapter 177, McEntee, Cortvriend, Speakman, Donovan, Carson, Caldwell, Craven, Morales, Kislak, Ruggiero, AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PLASTIC WASTE REDUCTION ACT (Creates the "Plastic Waste Reduction Act" designed to reduce the use of plastic bags by retail establishments by offering recyclable bag options and providing penalties for violations.)
 
Senate Bill No. 2740  SUB B  Chapter 381, Ruggerio, McCaffrey, Goodwin, Euer, AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- LABOR STANDARDS IN RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS (Adds a new chapter known as the Labor Standards in Renewable Energy Projects.)  House Bill No. 8074  SUB A Chapter 380,  Solomon, AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- LABOR STANDARDS IN RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS (Established labor standards applicable to renewable energy projects and conditions/procedures for applicants related to labor agreements with enforcement by department of labor and training (DLT).)
 
House Bill No. 7611  SUB A  Chapter 374,  Carson, Alzate, Bennett, Solomon, Cortvriend, Ranglin-Vassell, Giraldo, Abney, Donovan, Speakman, AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- 2021 ACT ON CLIMATE (Establishes the Rhode Island executive climate change coordinating council equity and environmental justice advisory board to advise on decision-making and equitable outcomes.)
 
Health Insurance Related Laws
 
Senate Bill No. 2201  SUB A  Chapter 151,  Goodwin, McCaffrey, Coyne, Miller, Pearson, Gallo, Ruggerio, AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES -- BIOMARKER TESTING COVERAGE (Requires health insurers, nonprofit hospital service corporations, nonprofit medical service corporations and health maintenance organizations that issue policies that provide coverage for biomarker testing on or after 1/1/23.)  House Bill No. 7587  SUB A  Chapter 152, Ackerman, McNamara, Serpa, Chippendale, Bennett, Baginski, Filippi, Diaz, Amore, AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES -- BIOMARKER TESTING COVERAGE (Requires health insurers, nonprofit hospital service corporations, nonprofit medical service corporations and health maintenance organizations that issue policies that provide coverage for biomarker testing on or after 1/1/23.)
 
Senate Bill No. 2203  SUB B as amended  Chapter 423,  Lawson, DiMario, Burke, Murray, Cano, Quezada, Valverde, AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE (Requires coverage for the treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections/pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome, including, but not limited to, the use of intravenous immunoglobin therapy.)  House Bill No. 7503  SUB B as amended  Chapter 422,  Amore, Henries, AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE (Requires coverage for treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome, including, but not limited to, the use of intravenous immunoglobin therapy.)
 
Senate Bill No. 3035  Chapter 371,   Cano, AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES (Provides health care coverage for laparoscopic removal of uterine fibroids, including uterine artery embolization intraoperative ultrasound guidance and monitoring and radiofrequency ablation, commencing January 1, 2023.)  House Bill No. 7561  Chapter 370,  Vella-Wilkinson, Williams, Noret, Ruggiero, Serpa, Diaz, Casimiro, Baginski, Kazarian, Alzate, AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES (Provides health care coverage for laparoscopic removal of uterine fibroids, including uterine artery embolization intraoperative ultrasound guidance and monitoring and radiofrequency ablation, commencing January 1, 2023.)
 
Parking Lot Requirements
 
Senate Bill No. 2345  Chapter 240,  Acosta, Cano, Valverde, DiMario, Zurier, Anderson, Calkin, Mack, Miller, DiPalma, AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- PARKING FACILITIES AND PRIVILEGES (Requires motor vehicle parking spaces in lots with >100 spaces specifically designed for persons transporting young children under the age of 3/baby strollers except for single-family/duplex/townhouse/multifamily residences/industrial zoned properties.)  House Bill No. 7743  Chapter 239,   Giraldo, Williams, Morales, Alzate, Felix, Barros, Amore, Biah, AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- PARKING FACILITIES AND PRIVILEGES (Requires motor vehicle parking spaces in lots with >100 spaces specifically designed for persons transporting young children under the age of 3/baby strollers except for single-family/duplex/townhouse/multifamily residences/industrial zoned properties.)
 
 
Business Administrative Laws
 
Senate Bill No. 2093  Chapter 108,  F Lombardi, Archambault, McCaffrey, Euer, AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE IN PARTICULAR ACTIONS -- RHODE ISLAND COMMERCIAL RECEIVERSHIP ACT (Creates temporary non-liquidating receivership program for businesses with substantial revenue decline after declared emergency/suspended/ceased substantial part of operation resulting by emergency police/regulatory powers.)  House Bill No. 7895  Chapter 107,  Craven, Caldwell, AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE IN PARTICULAR ACTIONS -- RHODE ISLAND COMMERCIAL RECEIVERSHIP ACT (Creates temporary non-liquidating receivership program for businesses with substantial revenue decline after declared emergency/suspended/ceased substantial part of operation resulting by emergency police/regulatory powers.)
 
Senate Bill No. 2645  SUB A  Chapter 238,   Euer, AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- FILING OF ASSUMED NAME (Requires individuals transacting business in RI under any assumed name to file in person, by mail, or electronically with the office of the city or town clerk the true or real full name(s) of the person(s) transacting business and their email address.)  House Bill No. 8001  Chapter 237,  Carson, Cortvriend, Donovan, Speakman, Edwards, McGaw, Ruggiero, Abney, AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW--GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- FILING OF ASSUMED NAME (Requires individuals transacting business in RI under any assumed name to file in person, by mail, or electronically with the office of the city or town clerk the true or real full name(s) of the person(s) transacting business and their email address.)
 
 Senate Bill No. 2812  Chapter 122, (Secretary of State)  F Lombardi, Euer, Archambault, Ciccone, Lombardo, McCaffrey, AN ACT RELATING TO CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, AND PARTNERSHIPS -- UNIFORM LIMITED PARTNERSHIP ACT (Enacts the Rhode Island Limited Partnership Act to govern the law of limited partnerships in this state and repeal chapter 12 of title 7 entitled "Limited Partnerships".)  House Bill No. 7603  Chapter 121, (Secretary of State)  Amore, AN ACT RELATING TO CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, AND PARTNERSHIPS -- UNIFORM LIMITED PARTNERSHIP ACT (Enacts the Rhode Island Limited Partnership Act to govern the law of limited partnerships in this state and repeal chapter 12 of title 7 entitled "Limited Partnerships".)
 
Senate Bill No. 2813  Chapter 124, (Secretary of State)   F Lombardi, Euer, Archambault, Ciccone, Lombardo, McCaffrey, AN ACT RELATING TO CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, AND PARTNERSHIPS -- UNIFORM PARTNERSHIP ACT (Enacts the Uniform Partnership Act to govern the law of partnerships in this state.)  House Bill No. 7753  Chapter 123, (Secretary of State)  Amore, AN ACT RELATING TO CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, AND PARTNERSHIPS -- UNIFORM PARTNERSHIP ACT (Enacts the Uniform Partnership Act to govern the law of partnerships in this state.)
 
General Business or Industry Specific Laws
 
Senate Bill No. 2132  SUB A  Chapter 033,  Murray, Raptakis, Seveney, DiMario, Lawson, Kallman, AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES (Holders of Class B licenses shall offer the public food during times alcoholic beverages are sold to the public.)  House Bill No. 7417  SUB A  Chapter 034  Hawkins, Cardillo, Bennett, O'Brien, Noret, Kazarian, Caldwell, Biah, Phillips, AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES (Holders of Class B licenses shall offer the public food during times alcoholic beverages are sold to the public.)
 
Senate Bill No. 2134  Chapter 002,  DiMario, Picard, Acosta, Euer, Lawson, Valverde, DiPalma, Zurier, Murray, Burke, AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- SMALL BUSINESSES -- ZONING ORDINANCES (Imposes one year moratorium on enforcement of municipal ordinance or zoning requirement that penalizes owners of food service establishments/bars for modifications/alternations to their premises in response to an emergency declaration.)  House Bill No. 7095  Chapter 001,  McEntee, Carson, Alzate, Caldwell, Costantino, Cortvriend, Craven, Morales, Batista, Kazarian, AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES (Extends the period for the moratorium imposed on the enforcement of any municipal ordinance or zoning regulation relating to any alterations or modifications made to an establishment in order to comply with emergency declarations until April 1, 2023.)
 
Senate Bill No. 2153  as amended  Chapter 004,   Gallo, AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- MANUFACTURING AND WHOLESALE LICENSES -- RETAIL LICENSES (Repeals 3/1/22 sunset provision allowing Class B/brew pub licensees to sell wine/beer/mixed drinks with food takeout orders only.)  House Bill No. 7209  SUB A  Chapter 003,  Baginski, McEntee, Caldwell, AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- MANUFACTURING AND WHOLESALE LICENSES -- RETAIL LICENSES (Repeals 3/1/22 sunset provision allowing Class B/brew pub licensees to sell wine/beer/mixed drinks with food takeout orders only.)
 
Senate Bill No. 2430  SUB A as amended  Chapter 032,  Miller, McCaffrey, Goodwin, Ruggerio, Coyne, Pearson, Acosta, Kallman, Archambault, Murray, AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- THE RHODE ISLAND CANNABIS ACT (The Rhode Island Cannabis Act legalizes adult use of cannabis. It provides for licensing of cultivation, manufacture and retail sale of cannabis.)  House Bill No. 7593  SUB A as amended  Chapter 031,  Slater, Hull, Williams, Kazarian, Solomon, McNamara, O'Brien, Potter, Bennett, Morales, AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- THE RHODE ISLAND CANNABIS ACT (The Rhode Island Cannabis Act legalizes adult use of cannabis. It provides for licensing of cultivation, manufacture and retail sale of cannabis.)
 
Senate Bill No. 2432  Chapter 345,   Sosnowski, DiPalma, Murray, AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS--DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES (Amends how credit bureaus doing business in Rhode Island may disclose to inquiring users of credit reports by requiring that in addition to the social security number, the name matches the identity of the person who is the subject of the inquiry.)  House Bill No. 8346  Chapter 344, Solomon, Casey, AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS--DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES (Amends how credit bureaus doing business in Rhode Island may disclose to inquiring users of credit reports by requiring that in addition to the social security number, the name matches the identity of the person who is the subject of the inquiry.)
 
Senate Bill No. 2492  SUB A  Chapter 192,  Murray, Raptakis, Bell, Lawson, Seveney, AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES - MANUFACTURING AND WHOLESALE LICENSES (Authorizes manufacturer-breweries to sell up to three (3) drinks on premises per visitor per day, where a drink is defined as up to sixteen ounces (16 oz.).)   House Bill No. 7727  SUB A  Chapter 193,  McEntee, Caldwell, Cortvriend, O'Brien, AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES - MANUFACTURING AND WHOLESALE LICENSES (Authorizes manufacturer-breweries to sell up to three (3) drinks on premises per visitor per day, where a drink is defined as up to sixteen ounces (16 oz.) of beer or one and one-half ounces (1.5 oz.) of spirits.)
 
Senate Bill No. 2511  SUB A as amended  Chapter 236,   Ciccone, McCaffrey, Burke, Goodwin, AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- HOTELS (Requires online posting of hotel rules. Allows ejection of person for verbally abusing or physically threatening a hotel employee or guest. Permits refusal of service to anyone under the age of 18, unless accompanied by an adult.)  House Bill No. 7910  SUB A  Chapter 235,  Bennett, Carson, McEntee, Baginski, AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- HOTELS (Provides reasons for an innkeeper to remove guests from a hotel, and permits an innkeeper to refuse admission to a person under eighteen (18) years of age.)
 
Senate Bill No. 2855  SUB A  Chapter 281,  Gallo, Goodwin, Pearson, Lombardo, Ciccone, Miller, AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- STATE BUILDING CODE (Increases the current levy on construction costs for residential building permits to be deposited into an exempt restricted receipts account to be used for training grants, including programs for local and state building officials and minority businesses.)  House Bill No. 7332  SUB A  Chapter 280,  McNamara, AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- STATE BUILDING CODE (Increases the levy on total construction costs that cities and towns may charge for building permits and directs that fifty percent (50%) each of the levy be transmitted monthly to the department of labor and training for workforce training.)
 
Senate Bill No. 2794  Chapter 339, (Dept. of Business Regulation)   Sosnowski, AN ACT RELATING TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS -- CREATION AND EXPANSION (Amends a number of provisions in the general laws relative to financial institutions by eliminating unnecessary requirements and/or clarifying language in order to reduce certain burdens on businesses operating in Rhode Island.)  House Bill No. 7781  SUB A  Chapter 338,  (Dept. of Business Regulation)  Solomon, AN ACT RELATING TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS -- CREATION AND EXPANSION (Amends a number of provisions in the general laws relative to financial institutions by eliminating unnecessary requirements and/or clarifying language in order to reduce certain burdens on businesses operating in Rhode Island.)
 
 
 
 
 

​Legislature Adjourns for 2022
 
The Legislature adjourned at 1:00am on Friday, June 24th, following a few hours of impasse over the Speaker’s affordable housing package and the Senate leadership’s desire to name a CCRI building after former Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed.  The housing package did pass; the naming of the building will be an issue for another year.
The Senate passed the budget and transmitted it to the Governor who is expected to sign it this week.
Over the next couple weeks, the legislature will transmit bills to the Governor for his consideration.  Should he veto any bill, the legislature will then decide whether to come back into special session to address those vetoes.  Once that procedure is complete, the Chamber will send out a special edition of this publication to provide a list the new laws and links to those laws for your use.
The end of session includes the reading of a resolution for each house and senate member that has decided not to run for re-election.  This year provided one surprise as Minority Leader Blake Filippi of Charleston/New Shoreham/South Kingstown/Westerly announced he will not run again.  He immediately submitted a letter of resignation as Leader. Representative Michael Chippendale of Coventry/Foster/Glocester was named the new Minority Leader with Representative David Place of Burriville/Glocester as Minority Whip.
 
Chamber Legislative Wins

1. Unemployment Trust Fund will be replenished $100 million.  While this does not fully restore the fund to pre-pandemic levels, it is expected to decrease the UI tax rate by one schedule.  Keep in mind that most employers have experienced an increase in wage bases; the rate may go down, but the overall tax may stay the same or increase.
2. The legislature did NOT pass the wage theft/misclassification felony bill.
3. The legislature did NOT pass any new significant labor bills like minimum wage, family leave expansion, employer contributions to TDI or TCI, workplace bullying, etc.
4. No tax increases were included in the budget
5. A last-minute bill to place an assessment on self-insureds and health insurance premiums to pay for psychiatric services for Rhode Island residents (currently paid for with a federal grant until June, 2023) did NOT pass.
6. Efforts to place additional data transparency requirements on businesses that use the internet for customers did NOT pass.  This issue may be discussed over the fall with stakeholders.

 
New Laws of Note
H.8056SubA and S.2666SubA, Acts Relating to Labor and Labor Relations – Department of Labor and Training – Digital Credentialing were signed into law June 21st.  Starting July 1, 2023, the DLT will be required to obtain verified electronic credentials such as certifications, licenses, degrees and training completion certificates issued by workforce and training programs in addition to any paper-based credentials that it receives from participants. law22115 (state.ri.us) law22116 (state.ri.us)
 
Also signed on June 21st were H.7863SubA and S.2816SubA, Acts Relating to Labor and Labor Relations – Employment Security.  These laws extend the increase in the total amount of earnings a partial-unemployed insurance claimant can receive before being entirely disqualified for benefits and an increase in the amount of earnings disregarded when calculating a weekly benefit rate.  This COVID-19 program was set to expire June 30, 2022.  It is now extended to June 30, 2023.  law22117 (state.ri.us)  law22118 (state.ri.us)
 
2022 Campaign Update – How Can You Help
With the session now over, the campaign season will ramp into high activity mode.  If your Representative or Senator (or a business-friendly candidate running for a seat) has been helpful to business, we ask you to consider helping them in the following ways:

1.  After filing for candidacy, which takes place this week, they must collect signatures in order to qualify to be on the ballot – consider helping them collect signatures.
2. They will be walking door to door to greet residents.  Volunteer to walk with them or to introduce them to your neighbors.  This is extremely helpful to a candidate.
3. Offer to place a campaign sign on your property.
4. Volunteer to work on Primary Day – September 13th.  This could mean holding a sign at a polling place, making phone calls to those who have not yet voted, driving voters to the polls, etc.
5. Make a donation to the individual’s campaign to help them pay for mailers, signs, postage, etc.  (this helps, but your time is even more valuable if possible)

Any of these efforts could help a business-friendly candidate win their way to the state house.  T

​Session Enters Final Week - Again
 
The House passed the budget last Thursday night. The Senate Finance Committee is scheduled to vote on it Tuesday at 4:00 pm.  Barring a breakdown between the three branches of government, this should be the last week of legislative session.  The House 48-hour posting rule changes after the 50th legislative day of session, which has passed.  The Rule states, “The time requirements of this section shall not apply to House bills returned from the Senate with amendment, or, after the 50th legislative day, to any bill originating in the Senate.”  So many bills are eligible to be posted without 48-hour notice, although the leadership does try to give notice of postings in order to aid transparency.  The Senate rules do not change after the 50th day.  They continue to read, “The rule shall not apply to bills previously passed by the senate and amended by the house.”  These rules aid in the effort to move bills more efficiently in the final days of session.
 
So far this week votes and hearings are posted for Tuesday:
 
The House State Government and Elections Committee is meeting Tuesday at 2:30 pm to pass both H.7743 and S.2345, Acts Relating to Motor Vehicles – Parking Facilities and Privileges.  Unless a SubA is posted prior to the vote, these bills require all large parking lots (with a few exceptions, including industrial zoned properties) to include designated spots designed for persons transporting young children, under the age of three, and baby strollers.  Lots with 101-500 spots must designate two spots; lots with 501-1000 spots must designate three spots; and lots with more than 100 spots must add one additional spot for each 500 parking spaces over 1000.  Exemptions to this rule include single-family homes, duplexes, multifamily residences and industrial zoned properties.  The bill contains specifications for the dimensions of the spots as well as the location.  Property owners have two years from the date of enactment to comply.  The bills can be viewed at: http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2345.pdf http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7743.pdf
 
The House Labor Committee meets at 3:30pm to pass a bill that bans employers from keeping any portion of an employee’s tip with exceptions for credit card charges associated with the tip.  A SubA has been posted, making the language mirror current federal law.  The bill number is H.7510. The SubA can be viewed at: http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7743.pdf
 
The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote on S.2705 and H.7363 SubA, Acts Relating to State Affairs and Government – Justices of the Peace – Uniform Law on Notarial Acts. These bills would continue to recognize remote notarizations that became necessary and widely used during the pandemic. Final language is still be negotiated and further amendments are expected.  The bills can be viewed at: http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2705A.pdf
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7363A.pdf
 
One hearing of note will take place in House Finance Tuesday at 3:00pm in room 35.  H.8354, An Act Relating to Insurance – Psychiatry Resource Network Funding Act was introduced June 17th and is now scheduled for a hearing on the 21st.  The bill creates the Rhode Island psychiatry resource network for the primary purpose of equitably determining and collecting assessments for the cost of psychiatry resource networks in the state which are not covered by other federal or state funding.  An amount needed to pay for the program will be calculated each year and assessed on the following entities:

• Writers of individual, group or stop loss insurers
• HMOs
• Third-party administrators
• Preferred provider agreements
• Fraternal Benefit Societies
• Organizations managing claims for a self-insured entity
• Self-insurers that provide an employee or group benefit plan with no claims manager
• Governmental entities that provide employee or group benefit plan with no claims manager
• Any entity, administrator or sponsor of any health care costs sharing program

 
The bill can be viewed at: http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H8354.pdf
 
If you wish to submit written testimony, send it to HouseFinance@legislature.gov  Testimony should be sent by noon on Tuesday.  Please write your name, bill number and position in the Subject line of the email.
 
 
A Few New Laws Added to the books:
 
S.2418SubA/H.6652 are now 2022 Public Laws Chapters 82 and 81. Any business that wishes to hire a child, that requires a limited work permit under law, please note that the child must certify to the Department of Labor that the child has successfully completed a training program created by the department which addresses workers' rights, workplace health and safety, and workers' compensation before a permit can be issued. The program is up to three hours long and is anticipated to be available virtually.  While the law is effective today, the Department needs time to create the program and implement it.  The law can be viewed at: http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2418A.pdf
 
H.7511, now 2022 Public Law Chapter 73, eliminates the ability of the Department of Labor and Training to approve wages below minimum wage for person impaired due to a mental or physical disability. The new law can be viewed at: http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7511.pdf
 
Are You Considering Running for Office?
 
If you are considering running for a General Assembly seat – House or Senate - the deadline is approaching quickly.  The Chamber can be most effective when business people run for office.  Declarations for candidacy must be filed June 27th 28th or 29th at the Local Board of Canvassers in the City or Town where you are registered to vote.
 
The Declaration of Candidacy is the document you sign to start the process of becoming a candidate. You “declare” yourself as a candidate for a particular office and if you wish to run as a party candidate, you also “declare” yourself to be a member of that party. All candidates for all public and party offices must file a Declaration of Candidacy.
 
More information can be found at Welcome to your Voter Information Center 
 
 
 
New Bill Introductions:
 
 
 
 

Session Enters Final Week
 
With the budget passed by the House Finance Committee, the full House scheduled to vote on the budget Thursday, and bills passing fast and furiously, the General Assembly appears to be heading into the final week of session.  The House has posted a floor calendar for Tuesday through Saturday in the event extra days are needed.  The Senate has posted a floor calendar for Tuesday, but expected to add days as needed.  Also notable, is that the 48-hour committee posting rule does not apply to many bills after the 50th day of session, so hearings can pop up at any time.
 
Most of the bills posted for vote or hearing as of Sunday night are bills legislators had introduced earlier this year that found their way into the budget document.  It is not unusual to pass the bills to recognize the legislators for their hard work in getting an initiative passed into law.
 
Tuesday Hearing – Senate Health and Human Services, at the Rise in room 211.
 
One bill, unrelated to language contained in the budget, is S.2769, An Act Relating to Health and Safety – Comprehensive Health Insurance Program.  This 92-page bill creates a universal, single-payer health insurance system in Rhode Island.  It sets rates, expands Medicare and Medicaid coverage, and increases paid leave to 160 hours a year.  The sponsors anticipate paying for the program with increased efficiencies, federal dollars, state dollars, private grants, individual contributions in lieu of health insurance premiums, and a 10% payroll tax to be paid 80% by the employer and 20% by the employee.  Self employed individuals would pay 10%.  The bill allows the state to adjust the tax rate so that higher income bracket individuals pay more and lower income bracket individuals pay less.  The bill is sponsored by Senator Sam Bell of Providence.
 
 
 
UI Trust Fund Big Win For the Chamber!
 
The House Finance Committee recommended passage of the FY2023 budget.  Included in the $13.6 billion plan (which includes expenditures in outlying years) is a $100 million infusion of money into the Unemployment Trust Fund that was heavily depleted during the pandemic.  The Chamber advocated strongly for this allocation.  We wish to thank all the legislators who expressed support for the inclusion of the funds and, in particular, to Senate Finance Chairman Ryan Pearson and Representative Carol McEntee for their tireless efforts.  The $100 million is expected to reduce the UI tax rate for 2023 (keep in mind your taxable wage base may likely increase due to the increase in employee wages).  Thank you to everyone who communicated with legislators on this issue!
 
What Else is in the Budget?
 
The full budget can be viewed by clicking on the House Finance Agenda for June 9th  State of Rhode Island General Assembly (rilegislature.gov)  A few of the highlights are listed below:

• No tax increases
• Corporate Minimum Tax remains at $400.  The Governor had proposed to lower it to $375.
• $230 million to complete the vehicle tax phase-out this year – one year early.  Vehicle owners will get no vehicle excise tax bills this summer, except for East Providence residents who pay the tax one year in arrears.
• $1 million to support initiatives focused on recruiting, and credentialing the workforce.  This money can also be used to provide technical assistance for technology purchases to individuals with developmental disabilities in accordance with a federal consent decree.
• $6 million to support a healthcare workforce development initiative to address staffing shortages through recruitment efforts and talent development for existing staff.  The program seeks to place 200 participants, including 100 new hires in a training program.
• $2.3 million to enhance improvements to Division of Taxation business processes and taxpayer services ($750,000 in FY2023 and $1.5 million in FY2024)
• $700,000 for the Local Agriculture and Seafood Act grant program which provides grants to local businesses to support growth, development and marketing of local food and seafood in the state.
• $5 million for Main Street Revitalization to award loans, matching grants and other forms of financing to enhance sidewalks, signage and lighting in order to create an attractive environment in local business districts.
• $43.8 million for a one-time child tax credit of $250 per child up to three children, for Rhode Islanders making up to $100,000 for an individual and $200,000 for joint filers.  This credit is estimated to impact roughly 190,000 filers.  According to the House Fiscal Office description, “Most checks would be issued in October as long as taxpayers file their 2021 returns before September 1.  Late filers have until October 31 to qualify.  A child is defined as a dependent under the age of 18 in the calendar year 2021.”
• $250 million for housing, including $10 million in down payment assistance to qualified first-time home buyers
• $30 million for the construction of a new health laboratory
• $108 million for Eleanor Slater Hospital
• $850,000 for the World Ocean Race in Newport July, 2023.
• Cannabis – The new cannabis program is expected to generate $6.6 million, ($2.9 million from the 7% sales tax, $4.1 million from the 10% excise sales tax, loss of $.4 million from elimination of plant tag and registration cards).  The State is expected to spend $5.6 million to run the program for a net revenue gain of $1 million.
• $2.5 million for a free fare bus route pilot program along the R-Line.  The program is scheduled to begin September 1, 2022 and end August 31, 2023.  RIPTA is required to track ridership data and submit a report to the state by March 1, 2024.
• $75.2 million for the Highway Improvement Program that will be used to match federal dollars under the Infrastructure Act.

 
Other policy-related items included in the budget are:

• Article 6 gives municipalities and fire districts the authority to establish a tax exemption for tangible personal property.
• Electronic filing requirements for businesses with an annual tax liability of $5,000, or whose annual gross income is over $100,000.  Beginning January 1, 2023, covered entities must remit taxes electronically or otherwise be subject to a fee equal to 5% of the tax liability or $500, whichever is less (unless there is reasonable cause for failure).  Failure of a covered entity to file a tax return electronically will result in the assessment of a $50 fee unless reasonable cause exists.
• Interest on delinquent payments – Current law requires the tax administration to assess interest equal to prime plus 2% provided that the rate is not less than 18% nor more than 21%.  The budget allows the Tax Administrator, beginning January 1, 2023, to go as low as 12% (provided it is equal to prime plus 2%) while keeping the cap at 21%.  The rate applied to trust fund taxes remains at 18% - 21%.
• Extends the sunset clauses for a number of Economic Development programs to December 31, 2023:  Rebuild RI Tax Credit, RI Tax Increment Financing Credit, Tax Stabilization Incentive, First Wave Closing Fund, Redevelopment Project Fund, RI Qualified Jobs Incentive Act, and Small Business Assistance Program.
• Extends the Historic Tax Credit to June 30, 2023.
• Adds healthcare applicants to the RI Wavemaker Fellowship program

 
 
 
Are You Considering Running for Office?
 
If you are considering running for a General Assembly seat – House or Senate - the deadline is approaching quickly.  The Chamber can be most effective when business people run for office.  Declarations for candidacy must be filed June 27th 28th or 29th at the Local Board of Canvassers in the City or Town where you are registered to vote.
 
The Declaration of Candidacy is the document you sign to start the process of becoming a candidate. You “declare” yourself as a candidate for a particular office and if you wish to run as a party candidate, you also “declare” yourself to be a member of that party. All candidates for all public and party offices must file a Declaration of Candidacy.
 
More information can be found at Welcome to your Voter Information Center 
 
 
 
New Bill Introductions:
 
Senate Bill No. 3011  McCaffrey, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- FAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES (Restores the original legislative intent that employees may be held individually liable for their own discriminatory conduct.)  S3011.pdf (state.ri.us)
 
Senate Bill No. 3012  McCaffrey, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- PAYMENT OF WAGES (Eliminates repealed statute references/creates mechanism for employees to enforce right to continuation of medical benefits/reinstates status and benefits after returning from being a temporary caregiver and for benefits relating to Sunday wage laws.)  S3012.pdf (state.ri.us)
 
 
 

​Budget Watch
 
As of Monday morning, the House Finance Committee had not yet posted the budget for consideration.  The House may post it for consideration this week, with the hopes of completing the legislative session sometime between June 17th and June 24th.  Once the budget is passed by the Committee, it must set on the desk seven days before the full House can vote on the bill.  The Senate does not have the same rule. 
 
Last Week at the State House
 
The Senate Committee on Housing and Municipal Government voted 6-1 (Senator Rogers opposed) to recommend passage of S.2345, An Act Relating to Motor and Other Vehicles – Parking Facilities and Privileges.  S.2345 is scheduled for a full Senate vote Tuesday afternoon.  The bill requires all large parking lots (with a few exceptions) to include designated spots designed for persons transporting young children, under the age of three, and baby strollers.  Lots with 101-500 spots must designate two spots; lots with 501-1000 spots must designate three spots; and lots with more than 100 spots must add one additional spot for each 500 parking spaces over 1000.  Exemptions to this rule include single-family homes, duplexes, multifamily residences and industrial zoned properties.  The bill contains specifications for the dimensions of the spots as well as the location.  Property owners have two years from the date of enactment to comply.  The bill can be viewed at: http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2345.pdf
 
 
This Week at the State House
 
Tuesday, June 7th
 
Health care mandates are passing quickly.  The House Health and Human Services Committee is scheduled to vote on a few bills Tuesday including H.7454, An Act Relating to Insurance – Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies.  H.7454 allows pregnant women to enroll in health insurance any time after the commencement of the pregnancy.  Coverage becomes effective the first month in which the woman submits the application.  It applies to both large and small employer plans as well as the exchange. 
 
The Senate Finance Committee is meeting at the Rise, approximately 4:30 in the Senate Lounge, to take testimony on S.2592, An Act Relating to State Affairs and Government – RI Hard Hit Liquidity Program Act.  The bill creates a $20 million RI HELP fund to provide assistance corporations, partnerships and sole proprietors that have received less than $500,000 thus far in federal assistance.  Eligible businesses must have less than $5 million in annual sales and have experienced at least a 50% drop in sales in at least three months (November, 2020 to June, 2021) as compared to November 2018 to June, 2019.  The bill can be viewed at: http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2592.pdf
 
Green building requirements are scheduled for a vote in the Senate Committee on Housing & Municipal Government at the Rise in room 310.  S.2700, An Act Relating to Public Property and Works – The Green Buildings Act, expands the definition of public buildings under the Act to include private major facility projects.  The bill also mandates public reporting on such projects.  A “major facility project” is defined as “A building construction project larger than ten thousand (10,000) gross square feet of occupied or conditioned space; or (ii) A building renovation project larger than fifteen thousand (15,000) gross square feet of occupied or conditioned space.”  Major Projects, if this bill passes into law, would be required to comply with LEED building requirements.  Anyone wishing to submit testimony can attend in person or email written testimony to:  SLegislation@rilegislature.gov   The bill can be viewed at: http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2700.pdf
 
 
Wednesday, June 8th
 
The House Environment & Energy Committee is expected to pass both the House and Senate versions of the plastic bag ban bills.  H.7065 and S.2446 ban retailers from supplying customers with single-use plastic bags or paper bags not made of recyclable material.  Penalties include a $100 fine for the first violation in a calendar year, $200 for the second offense in a calendar year, and $500 for the third violation or subsequent violations in a calendar year.  The bill does contain a uniformity clause, which was requested by the business community, to avoid the confusion that follows municipal adoption of additional rules.
 
 
The following new bill was filled last week:
 
Senate Bill No. 2994  Pearson, AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT (Establishes the Health Spending Accountability and Transparency Act and the Rhode Island All-Payer Health Care Payment Reform Act.)  http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2994.pdf 
 
 

​Unemployment Trust Fund Call to Action
 
The Chamber needs your help!  As the discussions continue over how to spend roughly $2 billion, there seems to still be some question as to whether the Unemployment Trust Fund will be partially replenished after the pandemic took its toll on the fund.  The most updated information, resulting from the first quarter tax returns, reveals that the fund has approximately $273 million in it at this time.  Remember that the fund had $500 million in it prior to the beginning of the pandemic.  Total UI payments for fraudulent claims now stands at $104 million – of which $55 million came from Rhode Island employers.  During the pandemic, the unemployment insurance tax increased two schedules – from F to H.  If the General Assembly votes to add even $100 million to the trust fund, then every Rhode Island business would see a one-schedule tax drop.  The Chamber is asking you to call or contact your State Representative and State Senator this week.  Ask them to support full replenishment of the fund, or support adding enough money to the trust fund to lower the unemployment insurance tax schedule AND to convey that support to the leadership.  Thank you for taking action!
 
 
Last Week at the State House
 
The legalization of the adult use of marijuana was signed into law May 25th.  It will take a little time for the regulations to be developed and adopted, but employers should review the statutes and to consider whether employee handbooks require updating.  Both bills were signed by the Governor (they are identical). The bills can be viewed in their entirety at:
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7593A.pdf
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2430A.pdf
 
 
The Senate Judiciary Committee passed S.2775, An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations – Payment of Wages.  The bill was not amended by the committee in any way.  S.2775 was introduced at the request of the Attorney General, and it designates failure to pay wages on time, failure to pay wages at time of termination, or misclassification of employees as independent contractors, as felonies subject to a prison sentence.  The full senate will vote on the bill Thursday, June 2nd.
 
The House Judiciary Committee passed H.7895, An Act Relating to Courts and Civil Procedures – Rhode Island Commercial Receivership Act, and the full house is scheduled to vote on the bill June 1st.  This act would create a temporary non-liquidating receivership program for businesses that have had a substantial decline in revenue after an emergency declaration by the government or for businesses that have suspended or ceased a substantial part of their operations because of action by a governmental unit exercising its police or regulatory powers to address an emergency.  The bill can be viewed at: http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7895.pdf
 
 
 
 
This Week at the State House
 
 
Tuesday, May 31
 
The Senate Committee on Housing and Municipal Government is meeting at the Rise in room 211.  The one bill scheduled for a vote is S.2345, An Act Relating to Motor and Other Vehicles – Parking Facilities and Privileges.  Unless a SubA is posted prior to the vote, this bill requires all large parking lots (with a few exceptions) to include designated spots designed for persons transporting young children, under the age of three, and baby strollers.  Lots with 101-500 spots must designate two spots; lots with 501-1000 spots must designate three spots; and lots with more than 100 spots must add one additional spot for each 500 parking spaces over 1000.  Exemptions to this rule include single-family homes, duplexes, multifamily residences and industrial zoned properties.  The bill contains specifications for the dimensions of the spots as well as the location.  Property owners have two years from the date of enactment to comply.  The bill can be viewed at: http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2345.pdf
 
 
The House Finance Committee is meting at the Rise in room 35.  The committee will be voting on H.7863, An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations – Employment Security.  H.7863 extends until June 30, 2023, an increase in the total amount of earnings a partial-unemployment insurance claimant can receive before being entirely disqualified for unemployment insurance benefits and increases the amount of earnings disregarded when calculating a weekly benefit rate.  Without passage of this bill, these benefits (which were changed during the pandemic) end on June 30, 2022.
 
 
Wednesday, June 1
 
The House Labor Committee will vote on S.2418, An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations – Employment of Women and Children.  This bill is identical to H.6652 which is scheduled for a vote on the House floor the same day.  The bill requires children who are 14 years of age and wish to work, to complete a three-hour training program with the Department of Labor and Training.  The program, consisting of workplace health and safety content as well as workers’ compensation rights and workers’ rights, must be completed before a limited work permit can be issued to the child. 
 
 
The following new bills were filled last week:
 
House Bill No. 8282  Kislak, Potter, Slater, Diaz, Cassar, Bennett, Caldwell, Craven, Morales, Williams, AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES (Requires health insurers, nonprofit hospital service corporations, nonprofit medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations and Rhode Island Medicaid, to issue policies that provide coverage for emergency medical services transport.) http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H8282.pdf
 
Senate Bill No. 2984  Goodwin, Bell, AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- HOUSING MAINTENANCE AND OCCUPANCY CODE (Allows a municipality to impose a debt in favor of the corporate unit against the owner when the municipality relocates the occupant and authorizes the corporate unit to choose the vendors to assist qualifying homeowners with repair costs.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2984.pdf
 

Legislative Session Enters Final Phase

Over the next few weeks, the legislature is expected to finish up the 2022 legislative session.  A budget could be posted for consideration in the House Finance Committee within the next two to two and half weeks.  At the same time, both the House and Senate will be voting out bills.  Please keep a look out for emails from the Chamber asking for your help in contacting legislators.

Last Week at the State House

Bills legalizing the adult use of cannabis passed the House Finance Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee last week.  The 125-page bills are scheduled for votes on the House and Senate floors May 24th and could be on the Governor’s desk as early as May 25th.  By the end of the week, these bills will likely be law.  The bills allow anyone over the age of 21 to use the drug.  A Cannabis Control Commission, comprised of three commissioners, will be responsible for the regulation, licensing and control of adult use and medical use as well.  The Governor appoints the members with the advice and consent of the senate.  This was a compromise between control by the Department of Business Regulation and control by a legislative appointed body.  The compromise addressed concerns raised by the advocates for separation of powers.

For employers, the bills state clearly that workers’ compensation coverage does not include medical marijuana and that an employer is not required to accommodate the use of medical marijuana in the workplace or the possession of legal cannabis at the workplace.  Remote work is treated the same as a centralized worksite.  Employers may implement drug use policies which prohibit the use or possession of cannabis in the workplace or prohibit performing work under the influence of cannabis.  An employer cannot fire or take disciplinary action against an employee solely for an employee's private, lawful use of cannabis outside the workplace as long as the employee is not working under the influence of cannabis.  The bills carve out an exception for businesses that must maintain a zero tolerance in order to retain a federal contract or to maintain a federal license.   The bills also create a carve-out for employees “in a job, occupation or profession that is hazardous, dangerous or essential to public welfare and safety. If the employee's job, occupation or profession involves work that is hazardous, dangerous or essential to public welfare and safety then the employer may adopt and implement policies which prohibit the use or consumption of cannabis within the twenty-four (24) hour period prior to a scheduled work shift or assignment. For purposes of this section, hazardous, dangerous or essential to public welfare and safety shall include, but not be limited to: operation of an aircraft, watercraft, heavy equipment, heavy machinery, commercial vehicles, school buses or public transportation; use of explosives; public safety first responder jobs; and emergency and surgical medical personnel.”  Finally, employers may refuse to hire, or can terminate, an employee for working while under the influence of cannabis.


The compromise bill includes language to utilize testing as science progresses over time.  Today a widely accepted test that measures the amount of TCH in a person’s body is not available.  This makes driving under the influence more challenging to prove.  However, the bills include a saliva test in the list of tests that can be given to a person suspected of driving under the influence.
Municipalities that do not currently host compassion centers can choose to opt out of offering licenses for cannabis.  To do so, the following question must be placed on the ballot this November:  "Shall new cannabis related licenses for businesses involved in the cultivation, manufacture, laboratory testing and for the retail sale of adult recreational use cannabis be issued in the city (or town)?"  Should the electors vote to ban licensing, they can choose at a future time to again place the question on the ballot and allow for licensing.  Choosing to ban licenses in the municipality also means that the community forgoes the local tax on cannabis.  The state tax is set at 10%, the local tax is 3%.
The bills can be viewed in their entirety at:

http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7593A.pdf
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2430A.pdf

This Week at the State House

Tuesday, May 24th

Call to Action for Wage Payment and Misclassification - S.2775, An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations – Payment of Wages is scheduled for a vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee at the Rise.  At the time of the writing of this edition of Under the Dome, no amendment was posted for consideration.  This bill was introduced at the request of the Attorney General, and it designates failure to pay wages on time, failure to pay wages at time of termination or misclassification of employees as independent contractors, as felonies subject to a prison sentence.  NOTE:  If this bill is important to your business, contact your Senator today! S.2775 will likely go to the Senate floor for a vote Thursday, May 26th or next week.  http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2775.pdf



The House Labor Committee will vote Tuesday to require children who are 14 years of age and wish to work, to complete a three-hour training program with the Department of Labor and Training.  The program, consisting of workplace health and safety content as well as workers’ compensation rights and workers’ rights, must be completed before a limited work permit can be issued to the child.  The bill number is H.6652.  http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H6652.pdf

Thursday, May 26th

The House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote on H.7895, An Act Relating to Courts and Civil Procedures – Rhode Island Commercial Receivership Act.  This act would create a temporary non-liquidating receivership program for businesses that have had a substantial decline in revenue after an emergency declaration by the government or for businesses that have suspended or ceased a substantial part of their operations because of action by a governmental unit exercising its police or regulatory powers to address an emergency.  The bill can be viewed at: http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7895.pdf​