Rhode Island has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 0342aa), which prohibits employers from requiring that an employee enter into a nondisclosure or confidentiality agreement that requires alleged civil rights violations to remain confidential. Senate Bill 0342aa is effective immediately.

Rhode Island has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 1079a), which clarifies and increases certain penalties for employers that are found to have violated certain payment laws or misclassified independent contractors. Senate Bill 1079a takes effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

Rhode Island has enacted legislation that mandates a special enrollment into health care coverage based on pregnancy.

Rhode Island has enacted the Rhode Island Cannabis Act (the Act), which adds and clarifies workplace protections related to cannabis use.

The Rhode Island Superior Court holds that an employer cannot refuse to hire a medical marijuana cardholder, even if the individual admittedly would not pass the employer’s pre-employment drug test required of all applicants.

Our model handbook policies have recently been updated to include a specific District of Columbia and Rhode Island Pregnancy Accommodation policy.