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One to Keep An Eye On: Healthy and Safe Families and Workplaces Act (Rhode Island)


As with many employment and labor law related cases (and bills) being litigated around the country, there are always a few that stand out.

This is one to keep an eye on.


Between its proposed minimum wage bills and this paid sick leave bill, Rhode Island has certainly been in the news as of late.  Last week, Rhode Island's Senate Labor Committee held a hearing on a proposed paid sick leave bill which would allow employees in the state to earn up to 56 hours (seven days) of paid sick leave and safe leave to care for themselves and their families (and to address domestic violence).  

This bill, the Healthy and Safe Families and Workplaces Act, certainly appears to have momentum on its side with a majority of Democrats (89.5%) and Republicans (68.8%) in the state supporting paid sick leave.  In fact, Governor Gina Raimondo had stated earlier this year that paid sick leave was a top priority.  Whether that support will translate into the passage of this bill is no sure thing, however.  It would not surprise me to see further debate and negotiation continue in regard to the language of the bill (and possibly how many days of paid sick leave would be offered).  Readers might recall that Maryland recently went through a struggle to pass a paid sick leave bill in the state (with a prior paid sick leave bill in the state providing for seven days of paid sick leave...rather than the five that were eventually provided for in the approved bill).  Even through that hard fought battle, it still appears likely that the Governor will veto the bill (although there are enough votes to override the veto).

For the time being, supporters of paid sick leave have reason to be optimistic that paid sick leave will become a reality in the state.  However, until this bill actually passes and is signed into law, this is still no "sure thing".


For additional information:  http://www.rifuture.org/earned-sick-days-popular/

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