Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H5679

Introduced
2/26/25  
Refer
2/26/25  
Report Pass
6/10/25  
Engrossed
6/18/25  

Caption

Requires employer, at the start of employment, furnish to their employees a written notice containing employment information relative to wages, rates of pay, allowances, benefits, deductions from pay, and identifying information relative to the employer.

Impact

The introduction of H5679 is expected to enhance transparency in wage payment practices within the state. By ensuring that employees receive detailed information at the start of their employment, the bill aims to protect workers' rights and prevent misunderstandings regarding wages and benefits. Employers will be required to maintain accurate records of hours worked and wages paid for at least three years, which should contribute to a more organized and compliant labor environment. The effectiveness of these practices could lead to better employee satisfaction and retention, as workers will feel more informed and secure about their compensation.

Summary

H5679 is a bill introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly that amends existing labor laws to require employers to provide a written notice to employees at the start of their employment. This notice must contain essential information about the employee's wages, pay rates, allowances, benefits, deductions, and relevant identifying details about the employer. The legislation mandates that this information is detailed and clear to ensure employees are fully informed about their employment terms from the onset.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding H5679 appears generally positive among labor advocates and employee rights groups, who view the bill as a necessary step towards ensuring fair labor practices. Supporters argue that the bill promotes accountability among employers and empowers employees with crucial information about their rights and earnings. However, there may be some concerns from business owners regarding the administrative burden and costs associated with compliance, suggesting that while the bill has strong backing, it could also face pushback from certain business sectors.

Contention

While H5679 is largely aimed at benefiting employees, its implementation may raise contention regarding the burden it places on employers to provide extensive disclosures and maintain detailed records. Critics might argue that smaller businesses could find compliance challenging, potentially leading to unforeseen penalties for minor infractions. This aspect of the bill could become a point of negotiation as stakeholders discuss balancing the needs of employees with the operational realities of businesses, especially smaller enterprises. The future discussions around the bill may involve amendments to address these concerns, ensuring a smoother implementation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S2123

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.

RI H7790

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.

RI H7320

Requires employers to provide each employee of a warehouse distribution center, upon hire, with written description of quotas applicable to the employee within defined time periods and adverse employment action for failure to meet the quota.

RI S2203

Prohibits an employer, employment agency, labor organization, or employee from directly or indirectly committing any act declared to be an unlawful employment practice.

RI H7172

Repeals the law that allowed employers to pay some of their minor employees and employees who are full time students and not attained the age of nineteen (19), less than minimum hourly wages, requiring them to be paid a minimum hourly wage.

RI S2478

Requires employer provide employee with written quota descriptions/number of task/item production along with potential adverse employment action for failure to meet quotas/ provides employee protection against quotas/ remedies for violations.

RI S2473

Protects bullying/psychological abuse in workplace inflicted upon employees by employers/co-employees/provides civil remedies to affected employees/fines against employers/imprisonment/fines against co-employees.

RI H7650

Directs employers to take certain actions to protect their employees who are exposed to extreme hot and cold temperatures and failure to implement or perform any of those actions would be an unlawful employment practice.

RI H8044

Protects bullying/psychological abuse in workplace inflicted upon employees by employers/co-employees/provides civil remedies to affected employees/fines against employers/imprisonment/fines against co-employees.

RI H8274

Protects bullying/psychological abuse in workplace inflicted upon employees by employers/co-employees/provides civil remedies to affected employees/fines against employers/imprisonment/fines against co-employees.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.