Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H5816

Introduced
2/28/25  

Caption

Mandates state and electric distribution companies develop proposals and encourage off shore wind power development and give priority in those projects to providing employment and business opportunities to workers from disadvantaged communities.

Impact

Should HB 5816 pass, the implications on state laws would be significant, particularly in reinforcing workers' rights and enhancing public health outcomes. It would modify existing health insurance requirements for employers, potentially leading to an increase in the provision of health benefits for employees. Additionally, the expansion of family leave policies is expected to lead to improved work-life balance for families and support for caregivers, which could positively influence the state's labor market by reducing employee turnover and absenteeism.

Summary

House Bill 5816 seeks to provide enhanced protections and benefits for workers in the state, particularly focusing on healthcare access and family leave policies. The bill proposes amendments to existing laws regarding employer obligations to provide healthcare coverage and expands family leave provisions to allow workers to take necessary time off for family-related responsibilities without fear of losing their jobs. Proponents of this bill argue that these changes are essential for supporting working families and addressing the increasing cost of healthcare.

Contention

The discussion surrounding HB 5816 has created a divide among lawmakers and stakeholders. Supporters emphasize the need for progressive reforms that would ensure equitable access to healthcare and family leave for all workers, believing that it will promote a more healthy and productive workforce. Conversely, critics argue that the bill could impose burdensome regulations on employers, particularly small businesses, and may lead to unintended economic consequences such as increased operational costs or reduced hiring. The debate is particularly heated, focusing on the balance between protecting worker rights and promoting a favorable business environment.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H7811

Requires the office of energy resources to initiate the process of developing programs and associated funding mechanisms, for electric energy storage resources connected to the electric distribution system.

RI S2496

Authorizes the submission of proposals for several bonds to the people of the state at the general election to be held in November, 2024. These bonds relate to capital development and the "green economy."

RI H7550

Authorizes the submission of proposals for several bonds to the people of the state at the general election to be held in November, 2024. These bonds relate to capital development and the "green economy."

RI S2536

Prohibits utility companies from limiting the eligibility of a net metering site based on prior consumption and requires excess energy not consumed under the net metering system to be credited to the consumer.

RI H7018

Prohibits utility companies from limiting eligibility of net metering site based on prior consumption and requires excess energy not consumed to be credited to consumer. Also amends definition of excess renewable net-metering credit.

RI H7808

Prohibits utility companies from limiting eligibility of net metering site based on prior consumption and requires excess energy not consumed to be credited to consumer. Also amends definition of excess renewable net-metering credit.

RI S2579

Authorizes the submission of several bond proposals to the people of the state at the general election to be held in November, 2024, relating to capital development and the "cultural economy initiatives."

RI S2542

Makes several amendments relative to the affordable clean energy security act establishing the act's priority over chapter 6.2 of title 42 (the "2021 act on climate").

RI H7813

Makes several amendments relative to the affordable clean energy security act establishing the act's priority over chapter 6.2 of title 42 (the "2021 act on climate").

RI H7919

Authorizes the submission of several bond proposals to the people of the state at the general election to be held in November, 2024, relating to capital development and the "cultural economy initiatives."

Similar Bills

RI S2583

Affordable Clean Energy Security Act

RI H7971

Affordable Clean Energy Security Act

MA H3696

Relative to clean energy resources

NH SB151

Relative to renewable energy procurement.

RI S0318

Allows for the procurement of nuclear power.

RI H5575

Allows for the procurement of nuclear power.

ME LD1986

An Act Relating to Net Energy Billing and Distributed Solar and Energy Storage Systems

CA AB1229

Unincorporated associations: decentralized nonprofit associations.