​Last Week at the State House
 
The bill hearings are reaching a pinnacle as the legislature heads in to the three-week stretch leading to the Spring recess that takes place April 18 – 22.  A few bills have passed one chamber – meaning the Senate or the House.
 
S.2080, An Act Relating to Insurance – Individual Health Coverage, passed the Senate by a 26 to 8 vote.  Voting “no” were Senators Algiere, de la Cruz, Lombardi, Lombardo, Morgan, Picard, Raptakis and Rogers.  The bill requires individual, large group and small employer health insurance to cover what is deemed to be ten essential services: (1) Ambulatory patient services; (2) Emergency Services; (3) Hospitalization; (4) Maternity and Newborn Care; (5) Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services, including Behavioral Health Treatment; (6) Prescription Drugs; (7) Rehabilitative and Habilitative Services and Devices; (8) Laboratory Services; (9) Preventive Services, Wellness Services and Chronic Disease Management; and (1) Pediatric Services including Oral and Vision Care. These coverages are contained in the federal affordable care act (ACA).  The ACA contains insurance premium subsidies resulting in more people participating in the health insurance program and spreading expenses among more individuals.  Should the federal government rescind the ACA, and Rhode Island require the ten areas to be covered by insurance, the cost impact to premiums is unknown.  The Chamber had requested that this analysis be completed prior to passage of any health care mandate.  http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2080A.pdf
 
 
S.2087, An Act Relating to State Affairs and Government – Environmental Justice Act, passed the Senate 32-4.  Voting “no” was Senators de la Cruz, Morgan, Paolino and Rogers (Archambault and Raptakis did not vote).  S.2087 establishes criteria and a process for creating Environmental Justice (EJ) areas in the state. The Division of Statewide Planning would establish EJ areas, although, ten residents from an area can request to be declared an EJ area.  At that point the Division would be required to prepare a report (within 6 months) stating why the area should be designated EJ or why an area should be removed from the EJ list.  The bill does not state what happens if the Division does not think the area should be designated an EJ. Following the report, the bill calls for a public hearing within thirty days.  Following the hearing, the Division has thirty additional days to render a final decision which must take into consideration public comment and "community support." To qualify for EJ area status, the area has to have one or more: (1) annual median household income 65% or less of statewide median household income (which would be about $45k); (2) 25% or more residents that are not proficient in English or (3) 25% or more of the population is minority and with annual household median income of less than 150% of state median (about $105k).  Once designated an EJ area, the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) could not issue "any permitted activity" within the area or within a half mile of the area UNLESS: (1) applicant prepares an environmental impact report including cumulative impacts; (2) includes adverse impacts that can't be avoided if the permit is granted; and (3) includes public health impacts.  That report has to be given to DEM and DEM must hold a public hearing on the permit.  Then DEM has to wait forty-five days before rendering a decision to grant the permit - DEM can deny in less time.  DEM must consider community support when rendering its decision.  It is unclear if the permits only apply to new facilities and expansion of existing facilities or to the renewal of an existing permit.  http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2087.pdf
 
H.7392, An Act Relating to Health and Safety – Restroom Access Act, passed the House floor on a vote of 67 to 0.   H.7392 applies to retail businesses with three or more employees working on site at the same time.  Any such establish that does not have a public restroom must allow patrons, with certain health conditions, to use the employee restroom when needed.  The covered medical conditions include: Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, any other inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, pregnancy, cancer or any other medical condition that requires immediate access to a restroom facility.  The bill states that the patron shall present proof of the condition at the time of request to use the restroom – a document issued by a doctor, or the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.  http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7392.pdf
 
 
This Week at the State House
 
Wednesday, March 30th
 
The Senate Labor Committee has a busy schedule at 4:00 p.m. in Room 211 at the State House.  S.2243, An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations – Rhode Island Parental Leave Act, increases employees parental leave from thirteen weeks to twenty-four weeks over a two-year period.  Under current law, employers with fifty or more employees fall under parental leave; and employees become eligible for the leave after working for one year with the employer. S.2243 does not change the thresholds for number of employees or time of work required for eligibility.  http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2243.pdf
 
S.2245, An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations – Temporary Disability Insurance, calls for an increase in the weekly dependent allowance for individuals claiming temporary disability insurance benefits (TDI).  The allowance would increase from $10 to $20.  The bill also extends benefits to those who file in order to care for a grandchild or a sibling; and the maximum number of weeks available to caregivers would increase from six week to eight weeks in 2023 and to ten weeks in 2024.  http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2245.pdf 
 
S.2130, An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations – The “Commuter Transportation Benefits Act, requires employers with 500 or more employees to provide a pre-tax transportation fringe benefit program consistent with the Internal Revenue Code at the maximum level allowable under federal law.  The new requirement would take affect January 1, 2023.  http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2130.pdf
 
 
Thursday, March 31st
 
The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services is meeting in Room 211 at 4:00 p.m.  One bill of concern is S.2075, An Act Relating to Health and Safety – Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund.  The bill creates a Fund to provide financial assistance to families for medical expenses not covered by state or federal programs, or by an insurance policy. The Fund receives its dollars from a $1.50 per employee annual charge on all employers.
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2075.pdf 
 
Renewable electricity is a topic for discussion in the Senate Commerce Committee at 4:00 in Room 310.  S.2274, An Act Relating to Public Utility Carriers – Renewable Energy, requires Rhode Island to increase the amount of electricity derived from renewable sources over the next nine years until the state reaches the current legal requirement of 100% by 2030.  The Chamber has urged both House and Senate to hear from ISO New England and the Public Utilities Commission prior to the adoption of any acceleration of renewable mandates within the electrical system.  ISO New England is an independent body that administers the region’s wholesale markets, and operates the power system to ensure reliable and competitively priced wholesale electricity.  At a recent hearing of the Senate Committee on Environment and Agriculture, ISO-NE announced that they have adopted a new vision, “To harness the power of competition and advanced technologies to reliably plan and operate the grid as the region transitions to clean energy.”  The key to this vision, is to ensure we have a RELIABLE system.  The New England grid currently plans for summer peak electricity use, due to air-conditioning demand within the region.  As we transition to electric heat and electric vehicles, ISO-NE must plan for winter peak demand which is higher and will be even higher if the state requires buildings’ heating systems and vehicles to switch to electricity.  Battery storage must be figured out, and emergency plans must be flawless as a power outage in the middle of winter could be disastrous otherwise.  According to the Energy Information Administration’s November 2021 report, Rhode Island’s average retail price of electricity was fourth highest in the country at 18.54 c/kWh (https://www.eia.gov/electricity/state/rhodeisland/)  The Chamber is on record saying, “As we go through the process of increasing electricity demand and restrict the sources of electricity generation, economic analysis of proposals will be critical.”  The Public Utilities Commission, with its experts and resources should be asked to provide economic analysis on proposals as well. Rhode Island currently has renewable electricity requirements ahead of our neighbors:  MA is 80% clean energy by 2050; VT is 90% renewable energy by 2050; ME is 100% renewable by 2050; CT is 100% zero-carbon by 2040; and RI is 100% renewable by 2030.
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2274.pdf
 
 
The following new bills have been filed:
 
House Bill No. 8025  Williams, Giraldo, Alzate, Biah, Vella-Wilkinson, Hull, Amore, Slater, Potter, Cassar, AN ACT RELATING TO CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, AND PARTNERSHIPS -- WORKERS' COOPERATIVES (Clarifies the role of a workers' cooperative to allow it to operate as a hiring hall under certain circumstances.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H8025.pdf
 
House Bill No. 8031  Messier, Felix, Alzate, Tobon, AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND HARD-HIT LIQUIDITY PROGRAM ACT (Establishes the “Rhode Island Hard-Hit Emergency Liquidity Program Act” to provide up to twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) to businesses adversely affected by the Coronavirus pandemic by providing aid for drop in sales.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H8031.pdf
 
House Bill No. 8036  Alzate, Batista, Giraldo, Cassar, Henries, Amore, Felix, Carson, Speakman, Ranglin-Vassell, AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ACT (Requires the department of environmental management to create environmental justice areas.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H8036.pdf
 
House Bill No. 8038  McEntee, Craven, Morales, Caldwell, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- FAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES (Prohibits an employer, employment agency, labor organization, or employee, to commit any act declared to be an unlawful employment practice; individuals would be held personally liable for such conduct.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H8038.pdf
 
Senate Bill No. 2738  Goodwin, AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS--SURCHARGES ON CREDIT CARD TRANSACTIONS (Provides that surcharges on credit card transactions may only be permitted when certain notice requirements are adhered to and provides for a misdemeanor penalty of five hundred dollars ($500) and/or one year in jail in any violations.)  http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2738.pdf
 
Senate Bill No. 2740  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.) http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2740.pdf 

Senate Bill No. 2741  (Secretary of State) Picard, AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- BUSINESS FAST-START OFFICE (Requires the fast-start office to regularly convene business owners in the state to gather recommendations to improve business licensing procedures.)  http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2741.pdf 
 
Senate Bill No. 2759 Mendes, Calkin, AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- REAL ESTATE CONVEYANCE TAX (Taxes property not considered a primary residence at a flat rate of five percent (5%) of the assess value.)  http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2759.pdf
Senate Bill No. 2775  (Attorney General)  McCaffrey, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- PAYMENTS OF WAGES (Increases the criminal penalties for wage theft and employee misclassification.)  http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2775.pdf
 
Senate Bill No. 2794  (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.)  http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2794.pdf
 
Senate Bill No. 2815  Ruggerio, McCaffrey, Goodwin, Ciccone, Lombardo, Pearson, Lawson, DiPalma, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- REAL JOBS RHODE ISLAND ACT (Establishes a real job Rhode Island program, which is an industry-led system to advance the skills of the state's workforce to grow the state's economy and increase sustainable employment for middle-class families.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2815.pdf


Senate Bill No. 2816  (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.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2816.pdf

​

PEOPLE’S CREDIT UNION PARTNERS WITH THE ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION TO OFFER FREE TREES
 
MIDDLETOWN, RI (March 21, 2022) As part of its Centennial Celebration, People’s Credit Union has partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to provide 600 free trees to Credit Union’s members through the Foundation’s Community Canopy Program. The Community Canopy partnership supports one of the key areas of the Credit Union’s philosophy of making the world a better place through environmental sustainability and stewardship. Planting additional trees helps provide cleaner air & water, reduce storm-water runoff, sequester carbon, and lower energy usage & utility bills.
 
The free trees will be made available to Credit Union members within their six-branch market area of: Aquidneck Island, Bristol, North Kingstown & Wakefield beginning March 21st. Members can reserve one of three tree types through an easy step-by-step, fun, and informative ordering process at: www.arborday.org/peoplescu. An online mapping tool takes the guesswork out of where to plant the trees to maximize their environmental impact on the member’s home and neighborhood. The native species trees were all specifically selected for their compatibility with the region’s climate and to provide members with a variety of size and color options.
 
“Trees not only have great environmental value and beauty, but they also provide a sense of satisfaction to the homeowner,” stated Sean Daly, President & Chief Executive Officer for People’s Credit Union. “The Credit Union’s partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation is a great way for us to provide members a beautiful tree that they get to select and nurture as their very own with their community benefiting as well,” Daly further added.
 
The Community Canopy Program and the Credit Union have 600 trees with limited quantities of each species available to People’s Credit Union members, details are:
 
People’s Credit Union Free Trees Program
 
When:            March 21, 2022, until supplies last
 
Who:              People’s Credit Union Members living in their six branch communities
 
How:              www.arborday.org/peoplescu
 
 ABOUT PEOPLE’S CREDIT UNION
People’s offers a complete range of services including online and mobile banking, savings and checking accounts, personal loans, mortgages, business accounts, business loans, and financial services. Headquartered in Rhode Island, People’s Credit Union is a member-owned, state-chartered, federally insured, community credit union established in 1922. Membership is open to all individuals. Deposits are insured up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), an agency of the federal government. For more information about People’s Credit Union visit www.peoplescu.com. 
 
ABOUT THE ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION
Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with more than one million members, supporters, and valued partners. Since 1972, more than 300 million Arbor Day Foundation trees have been planted in neighborhoods, communities, cities, and forests throughout the world. Our vision is to help others understand and use trees as a solution to many of the global issues we face today, including air quality, water quality, climate change, deforestation, poverty, and hunger.

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​Last Week at the State House
 
All bills reported in last week’s edition (adult marijuana, minimum wage increase, tipped wage increase, local control of minimum wage law) were held for further study. 
 
The full Senate did pass S.2087, An Act Relating to State Affairs and Government – Environmental Justice Act.  S.2087 allows the Division of Statewide Planning to establish Environmental Justice (EJ) areas.  However, 10 residents from an area can request to be declared an EJ area.  At that point the Division would be required to prepare a report (within 6 months) stating why the area should be designated EJ or why an area should be removed from the EJ list.  It doesn't say what happens if the Division does not think the area should be designated EJ.  Following the report, the bill calls for a public hearing within 30 days.  Following the hearing, the Division has 30 to render a final decision which must take into consideration public comment and "community support." To qualify for EJ area status, the area has to have one or more: 1) annual median household income 65% or less of statewide median household income which would be about ($45k); 2) 25% or more residents that are not proficient in English or 3) 25% or more of the population is minority and with annual household median income of less than 150% of state median (about $105k).
 
Once designated an EJ area, The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) could not issue "any permitted activity" within the area or within a half mile of the area UNLESS 1) applicant prepares an environmental impact report including cumulative impacts; 2) includes adverse impacts that can't be avoided if the permit is granted; and 3) includes public health impacts.  That report has to be given to DEM and DEM must hold a public hearing on the permit.  Then DEM has to wait 45 days before rendering a decision to grant the permit - DEM can deny in less time.  DEM must consider community support when rendering its decision.
 
It is not clear if the permits only apply to new build requests and to expansion requests, or if it would pull in renewal of permits.  From testimony provided at the hearing, and from various meetings, it appears one of the main focus areas is the Providence Port area.
 
 
This Week at the State House
 
Tuesday, March 22nd
 
It is the House Finance Committee’s turn to hear testimony on the adult use of marijuana/cannabis – Tuesday at the Rise in Room 35.  The Governor’s proposal, outlined in Article 11 of his budget proposal provides more authority to the Department of Business Regulation in the governance of the sale of various products.  While the House and Senate seem to be aligned in their vision of the program, differences still remain between the General Assembly and the Governor’s office.  That said, a bill is expected to pass at some point during the session.
 
The House Committee on Innovation, Internet and Technology is meeting Tuesday, at the Rise, to discuss a number of bills that are very technical in nature.  The full hearing notice can be viewed at:  https://status.rilegislature.gov/documents/agenda-17889.aspx If your business collects data over the internet in any way, particularly if you share it with a third party, please look at these bills.  Personal data includes social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, credit or debit card numbers, health insurance information, or email addresses with any password.  H.7400, An Act Relating to Commercial Law, requires any business that collects such data and shares it with a third part provider to publicly post (on its website or in a client agreement) the “categories” of information it collects, and name all of the third-party entities with which the information is shared.  Failure to make the disclosure results in a fine of $100 - $500 for each disclosure, and may be subject to a private right of action.  This bill specifically states that it does not apply to tax-exempt organizations.  The Act would take effect January 1, 2023.  H.7564, An Act Relating to Commercial Law, bans a provider of a digital application distribution platform (iPads, iPhones, etc.) from requiring developers of apps to use a particular in-application payment system for user downloads in order to allow customers to purchase the app.  It gives the Attorney General the authority to bring an action in court against the provider as well as allows for a civil action by the app creator.  The concern with this bill is the legislature's foray into dictating terms that go into private contracts between business entities.
 
A bill banning all municipalities from issuing a permit for any commercial, residential or mixed-us buildings unless the building is all-electric, will be heard in the House Municipal Government Committee Tuesday, at the Rise, in the House Lounge.  H.7374, An Act Relating to Public Property and Works – All Electric Building Act, does provide relief from the mandate if the project is “physically or technically infeasible” as an all-electric building.  Financial considerations are not sufficient to meet the “infeasible” burden.  Hospitals, medical facilities, laboratories for biological research and restaurants are exempt.  The bill can be viewed at: http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7374.pdf
 
 
Wednesday, March 23rd
 
The Chamber will lend its support to H.7602, An Act Relating to State Affairs and Government, which will be heard in the House Corporations Committee Wednesday at 4:00 pm in Room 101.  This bill requires the state to notify any licensed business in Rhode Island when substantial changes are made to regulations affecting the business.  A business would have the opportunity to sign up for digital or verbal notification of regulatory changes in lieu of receiving notifications by mail.
 
 
The following new bills have been filed:
 
House Bill No. 7985  Potter, Alzate, Slater, Diaz, Bennett, 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.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7985.pdf
 
House Bill No. 8001  (by request)  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.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H8001.pdf
 
 
House Bill No. 8014  Amore, Shanley, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- LABOR DISPUTES (Adds a section to labor disputes that prevents the use of police as harassment in a labor dispute.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H8014.pdf
 
Senate Bill No. 2686  Cano, Miller, Euer, Quezada, DiMario, Acosta, Mack, Valverde, AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION -- SOCIAL COST OF CARBON (Requires the public utilities commission to establish a social cost of carbon and factor it a cost benefit analysis whenever programs are proposed to curb climate change and carbon dioxide emission.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2686.pdf
 
Senate Bill No. 2688  Quezada, Murray, Euer, Cano, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- CONSUMER CREDIT HISTORY EMPLOYMENT PROTECTION ACT -- DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES (Prohibits employers from seeking/using credit reports in making hiring decisions concerning prospective employees, asking questions about the applicant's financial past during interviews or including credit history questions in their job applications.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2688.pdf
 
Senate Bill No. 2690  Kallman, Euer, Miller, DiMario, Mack, Lombardo, Goodwin, McCaffrey, Anderson, Acosta, AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- LICENSING OF HEALTHCARE FACILITIES (Requires all state licensed health care facilities to convert the powering of their operations, from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2690.pdf
 
Senate Bill No. 2692  DiMario, Euer, Coyne, Miller, Kallman, Valverde, Burke, Lawson, AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - MULTI-STATE MEDIUM AND HEAVY-DUTY ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLE ACT (Strives to make sales of all new medium and heavy-duty vehicles in the state zero-emissions by no later than 2050.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2692.pdf
 
Senate Bill No. 2700  DiPalma, Euer, Coyne, Kallman, DiMario, AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- THE GREEN BUILDINGS ACT (Expands definition of public buildings under Green Building Act to include buildings in any subdivision of state, and include private major facility projects; mandates public reports for all such projects.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2700.pdf
 
Senate Bill No. 2717  DiPalma, Acosta, Lombardo, Kallman, Euer, Lombardi, Felag, AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -­ DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES (Prohibits certain providers of digital application distribution platforms from requiring that payments for the software application be made exclusively through a particular in-application payment system.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2717.pdf
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
Contact: 
Paula Martel
CENTURY 21 Topsail Realty
401-254-1900
[email protected]
CENTURY 21 Topsail Realty Agent Receives 2021 President’s Producer Award for Commitment to Quality Service and ProductivityBristol, RI (Grassroots Newswire) March 17, 2022 -- Paula Martel, broker of CENTURY 21 Topsail Realty is pleased to announce that in recognition of his outstanding sales production and commitment to quality service, Century 21 Real Estate LLC recently honored Ryan Fonseca, sales associate with CENTURY 21 Topsail Realty with the 2021 CENTURY 21® President’s Producer Award.  The annual award is bestowed upon those CENTURY 21 System sales affiliates that earn the CENTURY 21 CENTURION® award and the CENTURY 21 Quality Service Pinnacle Producer award in the same calendar year.
The CENTURION Producer award honors CENTURY 21 System sales affiliates that earn $288,000 in sales production or 65 closed transaction sides within the calendar year.  
To earn the CENTURY 21 Quality Service Pinnacle Producer Award, a C21® sales affiliate must receive completed customer surveys for at least 80 percent of their transactions surveyed from January 1 - December 31, with an average survey score of at least 95 percentage or better for two consecutive years.
"The power of the CENTURY 21 brand rests on the shoulders of the relentless sales professionals like Ryan Fonseca who always elevate and give 121% to their clients throughout the entire client relationship," said Michael Miedler, president and CEO, Century 21 Real Estate. "So as we celebrate their accomplishments we understand that delivering extraordinary experiences is what homebuyers, sellers and property investors deserve, and they should be demanding from their real estate company and agent of choice."
About CENTURY 21 Topsail Realty
CENTURY 21 Topsail Realty is an independently owned and operated franchise affiliate of CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC (century21.com), franchisor of the iconic CENTURY 21® brand. Century 21 Real Estate LLC is comprised of approximately 14,250 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in 86 countries and territories worldwide with about 153,000 independent sales professionals. Century 21 Real Estate has numerous websites to help answer specific consumer needs. They are www.c21topsail.com, century21.com, century21Global.com, commercial.century21.com, century21.com/finehomes, and century21espanol.com.
©2022 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. CENTURY 21®, the CENTURY 21 Logo and C21® are registered service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Century 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.
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​Last Week at the State House
 
All of the bills reported to you last week were held for further study, a formal procedure which keeps the bills alive through the remainder of the session (S.2093, – receivership act for businesses; S.2104 – customer privacy protection policy; H.7500, H.7503, and H.7560 – health care coverage mandates; S.2486 – workplace bullying bill, and S.2209 – EV infrastructure requirement in new parking lots or expanding parking lots.).  The Senate Labor Committee announced that it is planning to bring forward a re-draft of S.2486, the workplace bullying bill.  We will distribute that substitute bill as soon as it is available.
 
This Week at the State House
 
Tuesday, March 15th
 
Adult Marijuana use is scheduled for a Senate Judiciary hearing Tuesday at the Rise (approximately 4:30 pm) in Room 313 at the State House.  S.2430, An Act Relating to Food and Drugs – Rhode Island Cannabis Act legalizes marijuana use for adults 21 years of age and older.  It creates the RI Cannabis Control Commission to oversee the regulation, licensing and control of adult use and medical marijuana use.  The bill allows for up to 24 retail establishments to be licensed in the first year (restricted to a maximum of 4 in a geographic zone).  S.2430 establishes a new 10% state excise tax, a new local excise tax of 3%, and includes the 7% retail sales tax, for a total tax of 20%.  More importantly, the bill does attempt to provide some protections for employers.  The bill states that an employer is not required to accommodate the medical use of marijuana in any workplace. Workers’ compensation benefits are not required to cover medical marijuana.  Employers are not required to accommodate the use or possession of cannabis, or being under the influence of cannabis in any workplace; however, employers also cannot discipline or fire an employee “solely for an employee’s private, lawful use of cannabis outside the workplace and as long as the employee has not and is not working under the influence of cannabis.”  There are exemptions for federal contractors where the federal law requires a no tolerance policy, as well as for hazardous professions.  Employers may prohibit the use of cannabis within 24 hours prior to a work shift or assignment, but to date there is no test that would confirm such use.  The Chamber is working with other business groups to: (1) clarify the definition of “workplace” which has become more complicated due to the increase in remote work; (2) request state funded training for HR directors and business owners to learn how to detect marijuana impairment in employees; and (3) request the ability to drug test employees performing hazardous jobs. The bill can be viewed at: http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2430.pdf
 
 
The House Committee on State Government and Elections is meeting at the Rise (approximately 4:30 pm) in Room 101 at the State House.  H.7743, An Act Relating to Motor and Other Vehicles – Parking Facilities and Privileges, will be heard.  This bill requires most parking lots with over 100 spaces to create specifically designed spaces for individuals transporting young children that require the use of strollers.  Properties zoned industrial are exempt, as are multi-family residences.  Parking lots with 101-500 spaces would be required to create two such spaces; lots with 501-1000 spaces would need to create three spaces; and lots with more than 1001 spaces would add one additional space for each 500 spaces over 1001.  Lot owners are responsible for the cost of signage and painting of spaces. The bill also outlines the specific dimensions of the spaces.  If you wish to submit testimony via email, send it to:  [email protected]
Remember to place your name, bill number, and viewpoint in the subject line. Pdf format is preferred.  The bill can be viewed at: http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7743.pdf
 
 
Wednesday, March 16th
 
Employee wages are the topic of the day for the House Labor Committee on Wednesday, at 4:00 pm, in House Lounge at the State House. 
 
H.7348, incrementally increases the tipped wage for employees starting January 1, 2023.  The current tipped wage is $3.89 per hour.  This means that the restaurant must pay the tipped employee $3.89 per hour.  The employee then receives tips from customers.  If the tips do not bring the employee to the Rhode Island minimum wage of $12.25, the restaurant must pay the difference.  No employee is permitted to legally make less than $12.25 per hour.  H.7348 raises the initial tipped wage to $6.95, January 1, 2023; $8.95 January 1, 2024; $10.95 January 1, 2025; $12.95 January 1, 2026; $14.95 January 1, 2027; and to the state’s minimum wage by January 1, 2028.  Should this bill pass, many restaurants have stated they will transition to a European model which excludes customer tipping. 
 
H.7575, An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations (Representatives Morales, Potter, Ranglin-Vassell, McGaw, Batista, Biah, Kislak, Henries, Speakman, and Williams) repeals state preemption of minimum wage.  This law was adopted as part of the negotiations between labor advocates and the business community when the minimum wage increase bill was passed in 2014.  The business community agreed to a phase-in of higher minimum wages, if all of the communities in the state were bound by the same minimum wage. This avoids confusion, payroll mistakes, and employee morale issues.  Please contact your state legislators and ask them to oppose the passage of H.7575.  There is no Senate companion bill at this time, but not all of the bills have been formally introduced.
 
H.7765, An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations proposes to change the minimum wage phase-in schedule.  Under current law the minimum wage is set to increase to $13 on January 1, 2023, $14 on January 1, 2024 and $15 on January 1, 2025.  H.7765 increases that jump to $14.50 on January 1, 2023, $16.75 on January 1, 2024, $19 on January 1, 2025, and then increases the wage every year thereafter in accordance with the CPI index.
 
If you wish to submit written testimony on any of these bills, email the testimony to [email protected] and include your name, bill number, and viewpoint in the subject of the email (pdf format is preferred).  If you wish to testify in person, go to the House Lounge at 3:45 and sign up to testify.
 
 
The following new bills have been filed:
 
House Bill No. 7917  McNamara, AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND INFORMATION PRIVACY ACT (Allows an individual to access and learn what personal information about the individual has been gathered and stored by covered entities that conduct business in Rhode Island.) http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7917.pdf         
 
House Bill No. 7920  Tobon, Barros, AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- STATE BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY LIVE, WORK, AND PLAY PARKS (Establishes the state business technology live, work, and play parks program, to be administered by the commerce corporation.)  http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7920.pdf         
 
House Bill No. 7922  Tobon, Barros, AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND COMMERCE CORPORATION (Establishes the retailer competitive grants revolving fund to award grants, through a competitive process, to local on the ground businesses.)  http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7922.pdf         
 
House Bill No. 7928  (Dept. of Revenue) Abney, AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- STATE TAX OFFICIALS (Defines "large business registrant" and requires the large business registrant to file returns and remit taxes electronically with fines for failure to do so.)  http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7928.pdf         
 
Senate Bill No. 2584  DiPalma, Kallman, DiMario, Lombardo, Ciccone, Euer, McCaffrey, AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- JUST TRANSITION TO CLEAN ENERGY (Establishes just transition office assisted by 18 member advisory committee within DLT to support displaced fossil fuel workers in transition to carbon free economy.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2584.pdf
 
Senate Bill No. 2592  Cano, Kallman, Acosta, McCaffrey, Goodwin, Ruggerio, AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND HARD-HIT LIQUIDITY PROGRAM ACT (Establishes the “Rhode Island Hard-Hit Emergency Liquidity Program Act” to provide up to twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) to businesses adversely affected by the Coronavirus pandemic by providing aid for drop in sales.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2592.pdf
 
Senate Bill No. 2593  Mack, Bell, Anderson, Calkin, Acosta, Mendes, AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX (Adds one new income tax bracket for purposes of Rhode Island state income taxation. The new bracket would be a rate of ten and ninety-nine one-hundredths percent (10.99%) on taxable income over four hundred thousand five hundred dollars ($400,500).)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2593.pdf
 
Senate Bill No. 2634  Mack, Bell, Anderson, Calkin, Acosta, AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- THE GREEN JUSTICE ZONE ACT (Establishes the first Green Justice Zone, a model that may be replicated in future years to ensure that all communities throughout the state have clean air and clean water.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2634.pdf
 
Senate Bill No. 2665  Anderson, Acosta, Bell, Calkin, Kallman, Mack, Mendes, Euer, Quezada, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MINIMUM WAGES (Repeals the law that prevented municipalities from establishing their own minimum wage for their employees.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2665.pdf
 
 

​Last Week at the State House
 
All of the bills reported to you last week were held for further study, a formal procedure which keeps the bills alive through the remainder of the session (H.7231, An Act Relating to Business Professions – Freedom to Travel and Work Act; S.2124, An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations – Unfair Employment Practices - prohibits an employer from requiring an employee to execute a nondisclosure agreement or non-disparagement agreement; S.2325 requires coverage for Covid-19 home test kits; S.2080 requires coverage for 10 categories of “essential health benefits”; and S.2203 requires coverage for treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders.  The debate over the appropriate amount of ARPA funds to be used to replenish the unemployment trust fund continues.  Figures ranging from $30 million to the full reimbursement (approximately $300 million) are in play.  If this is an important issue to you, please contact your legislators.
 
The adult recreational use of marijuana bills were introduced last week.  While both the Senate and House leadership teams worked together on H.7593 and S.2430 (links to the bills are provided below), both have said they are open to input from the public.  If you have an interest in these bills, please review and send comments to the Chamber as soon as possible.  It is likely the hearings for H.7593 and S.2430 will be posted shortly.
 
This Week at the State House
 
Both the House and Senate are eliminating virtual testimony at hearings beginning this week.  Written testimony is always accepted through email or by dropping it off in person.  Individuals may also come to the state house – masks are optional – and sign up to verbally testify at the hearing room.
 
Tuesday, March 8th
 
The Senate Judiciary Committee is meeting at the Rise (approximately 4:30 p.m.) in Room 313.  S.2093, An Act Relating to Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Action – Rhode Island Commercial Receivership Act.  The bill creates a temporary, non-liquidating receivership program for businesses that experienced a substantial decline in revenue due to Covid or another type of government emergency power action http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2093.pdf
S.2104, An Act Relating to Commercial Law, requires any business that collects a social security number, driver’s license number, a state identification card number, a credit or debit card number, or a health insurance identification number, to create a privacy protection policy and to publicly display that policy.  Failure to comply results in a civil penalty of $500 for each violation up to $500,000 for any single event.  http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2104.pdf           
If you wish to submit written testimony, it can be emailed to: [email protected].  Please cc: the Chamber of Commerce so that we are aware of your testimony.
 
Wednesday, March 9th
 
The House Committee on Health and Human Services will meet in the House Lounge at 4:00 p.m.  There are three health care mandates on the hearing calendar.  H.7500, An Act Relating to Insurance (Requires individual health insurers, large group health insurers and small employer health insurers to provide coverage for essential health benefits listed in the act); H.7503, An Act Relating to Insurance (Requires coverage for treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome); and H.7560, An Act Relating to Insurance (Requires individual health insurers, large group health insurers and small employer health insurers to provide coverage for ten (10) categories of essential health benefits).  The Chamber will again request the creation of a Health Care Advisory Committee charged with evaluating all health care mandate proposals to determine cost and benefits.
 
The Senate Committee on Labor meets at 4:00 p.m. in Room 211 to hear testimony, and likely pass S.2486, An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations – Dignity at Work Act.  The Senate has passed this bill multiple times.  The definition of workplace bullying includes: undermine, humiliate, denigrate, or sabotage a person in the workplace; as well as threatening, intimidating, dominating, or otherwise infringing upon a person's right to dignity.  Workplace bullying may take the form of interpersonal interactions, organizational practices, or management actions. Workplace bullying may take the form of harassment, incivility, abusive supervision, physical violence, aggressions and “other types of objectionable behaviors.” The behaviors may come from any level of the organization, including supervision, co-workers, subordinates, or customers.  Examples of bullying cited in the bill include:  Interfering with a person's personal property or work equipment; use of humiliation, personal criticism, ridicule, and demeaning comments; Overbearing or intimidating levels of supervision;  Withholding information, supervision, training or resources to prevent someone from doing their job; Changing work arrangements, such as rosters, offices, assignments, leave, and schedules to deliberately inconvenience someone; Isolating, or marginalizing a person from normal work activities; Inconsistently following or enforcing rules, to the detriment of an employee; Unjustifiably excluding colleagues from meetings or communications; and Intruding on a person's privacy by pestering…  The bill is very broad and provides the “bullied” employee the ability to sue both the individual(s) involved as well as the employer.  Written testimony can be submitted by email to [email protected]  To view the actual text of the legislation, go to: http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2486.pdf
 
 
Thursday, March 10th
 
EV chargers in business parking lots will be the topic of discussion in the Senate Committee on Housing and Municipal Government in Room 310 at the Rise (approximately 4:30 p.m.).  S.2209, An Act Relating to Motor Vehicles – Parking Facilities and Privileges, requires, starting January 1, 2023, all new parking lots and existing lots that undergo an expansion of the number of parking spaces by 50% or more, to create designated parking spaces for electric vehicles.  Each electric vehicle parking space must have either an EV-ready or EV-capable public level 2, or DC fast charger, or a dual port charger to be shared by two parking spaces.  The bill goes on to require Commercial buildings (such as box stores, grocery markets, strip malls, shopping malls, shopping centers, and hotels or motels) as well as large employers (defined as having 100 employees or more at a single location) to install EV-ready or EV-capable public level 2, or DC fast charger, or a dual port charger to be shared by two parking spaces in a formula set in the legislation:  0-9 parking spaces = no EV spaces requirements; 10-25 parking spaces = 1 EV space requirement; 26-50 parking spaces = 2 EV required spaces; 51-75 parking spaces = 4 EV required spaces; 76-100 parking spaces = 5 EV required spaces; 101-150 parking spaces = 7 EV required spaces; 151-200 parking spaces = 10 EV required spaces; 201 and over = 6% of total spaces must be EV spaces.  Testimony can be submitted via email at  [email protected]  If you submit testimony, please share it with the Chamber as well.  This bill can be viewed at:  http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2209.pdf 
 
 
The following new bills have been filed:
 
House Bill No. 7593 Slater, Hull, Williams, Kazarian, Solomon, McNamara, O'Brien, Potter, Bennett, Morales, AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- RHODE ISLAND CANNABIS ACT (Establishes the Cannabis Control Commission. Legalizes recreational marijuana possession and use.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7593.pdf
 
Senate Bill No. 2430  Miller, McCaffrey, Goodwin, Ruggerio, Coyne, Pearson, Acosta, Kallman, Archambault, Murray, AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- RHODE ISLAND CANNABIS ACT (Establishes the Cannabis Control Commission. Legalizes recreational marijuana possession and use.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2430.pdf       
 
House Bill No. 7601  Kennedy, Azzinaro, Diaz, AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES (Prohibits commercial lease provisions limiting ability to subsequently lease to lawful businesses.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7601.pdf
 
House Bill No. 7602  Giraldo, Place, Alzate, Kazarian, Barros, AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- BUSINESS NOTIFICATION ACT (Requires businesses to be notified of any regulatory changes which materially impact the business.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7602.pdf
 
House Bill No. 7621  Cortvriend, McGaw, Speakman, Carson, Handy, Donovan, Caldwell, Henries, Tanzi, Potter, AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS - HOME HEATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS REDUCTION ACT (Creates the Home Heating Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act which program provides a mechanism and funding for gas companies to transition from providing gas heat to non-emitting renewable thermal energy for home heating consumers.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7621.pdf
 
House Bill No. 7622  Morales, Henries, AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- THE GREEN JUSTICE ZONE ACT (Creates the "green justice zone act" and the "environmental justice act" and makes amendments to several other areas of the general laws designed to create a system to provide clean water and air to the state.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7622.pdf
 
House Bill No. 7642  Place, Filippi, Price, Nardone, Chippendale, Roberts, Newberry, Quattrocchi, AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION - AGREEMENT TO PHASE OUT CORPORATE INCENTIVES COMPACT ACT (Establishes a compact agreement among at least two (2) states to prohibit the use of subsidies to selectively retain industry or company entice relocation from one state to another state or to open a new facility.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7642.pdf
 
House Bill No. 7653  Cortvriend, Carson, McGaw, Batista, Speakman, Felix, Alzate, Kislak, Tanzi, Potter, AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- ELECTRIC TRANSPORTATION ACT (Provides for a plan and structure to transition to green energy in motor and other vehicles.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7653.pdf         


House Bill No. 7654  Morales, Kislak, Alzate, Ranglin-Vassell, Lombardi, Potter, Henries, McGaw, Felix, Williams, AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- BUSINESS CORPORATION TAX (Eliminates the corporate tax cut and qualified business income deduction created by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7654.pdf
 
House Bill No. 7658  Costantino, Lima, Vella-Wilkinson, AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- ESTATE AND TRANSFER TAXES -- LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION (Phases in an annual increase of the net taxable estate exemption over an eight (8) year period until the state exemption equals the federal exemption.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7658.pdf         


House Bill No. 7659  Amore, Alzate, Ajello, Barros, Henries, Morales, AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX (Creates a new income tax bracket for person with taxable income over $500,000 to fund school projects.) http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7659.pdf
 
House Bill No. 7677 (Attorney General) Craven, Caldwell, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- PAYMENTS OF WAGES (Increases the criminal penalties for wage theft and employee misclassification.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7677.pdf
 
House Bill No. 7717  Giraldo, Williams, Alzate, Lima, Morales, Batista, Cassar, Speakman, Kislak, Cortvriend, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- RHODE ISLAND PARENTAL AND FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE ACT (Increases the amount of unpaid parental or family leave available to an employee, from thirteen (13) weeks to twenty-six (26) weeks, in any two (2) calendar years.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7717.pdf
 
House Bill No. 7718  Williams, Giraldo, Morales, Batista, Vella-Wilkinson, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS - WORKERS' COMPENSATION - OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES (Classifies as an occupational disease any disability or quarantine resulting from COVID-19 or other viral infection, classified by an executive order, during a declared state of emergency, subject to certain requirements.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7718.pdf
 
House Bill No. 7721  Giraldo, Williams, Alzate, Lima, Morales, Batista, Cassar, Speakman, Kislak, Cortvriend, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- PAYMENT OF WAGES - EMPLOYEE RECORDS (Requires employer to furnish items and conditions of employment and a pay stub explaining how wages were calculated/reasons for deductions/allows the employee to file a court action against employer for violation.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7721.pdf
 
House Bill No. 7781  (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.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7781.pdf
 
House Bill No. 7794  Giraldo, Williams, Morales, Alzate, Felix, Barros, Biah, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- TEMPORARY DISABILITY INSURANCE -- CONTRIBUTIONS (Decreases an employee’s obligation for contribution from wages and requires an employer to contribute one-half of the amount to an employee’s contribution.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7794.pdf
 
House Bill No. 7863  (Dept. of Labor and Training) McEntee, Caldwell, Morales
ENTITLED, 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.)  http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7863.pdf
 
House Bill No. 7883  Ruggiero, Craven, Hull, Williams, Morales, Ajello, Carson, Cortvriend, Slater, Baginski, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION ACT OF 2015 (Creates a cybersecurity incident response group and implement stricter notice requirements to the effected parties.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7883.pdf
 
House Bill No. 7901  Edwards, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS - PAYMENT OF WAGES (Eliminates repealed statute references and create a mechanism for employees to enforce their existing right to continuation of medical benefits.)  http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7901.pdf         
 
House Bill No. 7904  Tanzi, Shanley, Craven, Ajello, Felix, McGaw, Batista, Ranglin-Vassell, Donovan, Kislak, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- FAIR EMPLOYMENTS PRACTICES (Amends the definition of employees to include individuals under appointment/contract/apprenticeship/volunteer or unpaid intern covered by fair employment practices.)  http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7904.pdf         
 
House Bill No. 7905  Tanzi, Shanley, Craven, Ajello, Felix, McGaw, Batista, Donovan, Ranglin-Vassell, Kislak, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- FAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES (Forbids an employer to require an employee to execute a nondisclosure agreement or non-disparagement agreement, regarding alleged violations of civil rights or criminal conduct, as a condition of employment.)  http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7905.pdf         
 
Senate Bill No. 2448  DiMario, Euer, Seveney, Anderson, Lawson, Cano, Zurier, Burke, Miller, DiPalma, AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- ELECTRIC TRANSPORTATION ACT (Provides for a plan and structure to transition to green energy in motor and other vehicles.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2448.pdf
 
Senate Bill No. 2463  Algiere, DiPalma, de la Cruz, Rogers, Paolino, Lombardi, AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- ESTATE AND TRANSFER TAXES--LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION (Increases the net taxable estate exemption to three million six hundred thousand dollars ($3,600,000) on January 1, 2023 and increases the exemption by one million dollars ($1,000,000) on January 1 per year thereafter.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2463.pdf
 
Senate Bill No. 2486  Ciccone, Lombardo, Lombardi, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- DIGNITY AT WORK ACT (Establishes the Dignity at Work Act, to provide workers with more protection from bullying and harassment in the workplace.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2486.pdf
 
Senate Bill No. 2488  Acosta, Bell, Kallman, Anderson, Cano, Quezada, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- PAYMENT OF WAGES - EMPLOYEE RECORDS (Requires employer to furnish items and conditions of employment and a pay stub explaining how wages were calculated/reasons for deductions/allows the employee to file a court action against employer for violation.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2488.pdf
 
Senate Bill No. 2551  Kallman, McCaffrey, Gallo, DiMario, Ruggerio, Miller, Lawson, Valverde, Seveney, Lombardo, 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.)
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/SenateText22/S2551.pdf