reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-29 - Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions › Section 28-29-7.1. - Exemption from workers’ compensation — Certain real estate persons.

§ 28-29-7.1. Exemption from workers’ compensation — Certain real estate persons.
A licensed real estate broker or real estate salesperson or a licensed or certified real estate appraiser shall not be considered an employee under the provisions of this chapter if substantially all of the remuneration for the services performed by the broker, salesperson, or appraiser, whether paid in cash or otherwise, is directly related to sales or other output rather than to the number of hours worked, and the services are performed by the broker, salesperson, or appraiser pursuant to a written contract that contains the following provisions:
(1)
The broker, salesperson, or appraiser, for purposes of workers’ compensation, is engaged as an independent contractor associated with the person for whom services are performed;
(2)
The broker or salesperson shall be paid a commission based on his or her gross sales, if any, without deduction for taxes, which commission shall be directly related to sales or other output;
(3)
The broker, salesperson, or appraiser shall not receive any remuneration related to the number of hours worked, and shall not be treated as an employee with respect to the services for the purposes of this chapter;
(4)
The broker, salesperson, or appraiser shall be permitted to work any hours he or she chooses;
(5)
The broker, salesperson, or appraiser shall be permitted to work out of his or her own home or the office of the person for whom services are performed;
(6)
The broker, salesperson, or appraiser shall be free to engage in outside employment; and
(7)
The person for whom the services are performed may provide office facilities and supplies for the use of the broker, salesperson, or appraiser, but the broker, salesperson, or appraiser shall otherwise pay his or her own expenses.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 422, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 216, § 5; P.L. 1999, ch. 384, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-29 - Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions › Section 28-29-7.2. - Farm laborers.

§ 28-29-7.2. Farm laborers.
Farmers, nursery operators, or farm laborers are not subject to the provisions of chapters 29 — 38 of this title unless the farmers or agricultural employers employ twenty-five (25) or more farm laborers or agricultural employees for thirteen (13) consecutive weeks. Farmers, nursery operators, or agricultural employers who or that employ twenty-five (25) or more farm laborers or agricultural employees for thirteen (13) consecutive weeks are not subject to the provisions of chapters 29 — 38 of this title if the farmer or agricultural employer maintains health and disability insurance for all of its farm laborers or agricultural employees; provided, that the health and disability insurance premium exceeds the premium for workers’ compensation insurance. Farmers or agricultural employers who or that employ twenty-five (25) or more farm laborers or agricultural employees for thirteen (13) consecutive weeks are subject to chapters 29 — 38 of this title for those agricultural enterprises that produce greenhouse crops, fruit and vegetable crops, herbaceous crops, sod crops, viticulture, viniculture, floriculture, feed for livestock, forestry, dairy farming, aquaculture, the raising of livestock, fur-bearing animals, poultry and eggs, bees and honey, mushrooms, and nursery stock.
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 155, § 3; P.L. 1998, ch. 281, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 377, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-29 - Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions › Section 28-29-8. - Election by exempt employers to be subject to law.

§ 28-29-8. Election by exempt employers to be subject to law.
(a)
Employers exempted by § 28-29-7 may come within chapters 29 — 38 of this title by election. The election on the part of the employer shall be made by filing with the director a written statement to the effect that the employer accepts the provisions of those chapters. The filing of this statement shall operate to subject the employer to the provisions of those chapters and all acts amending those chapters for the term of one year from the date of the filing of the statement, and after that, without further act on the employer’s part, for successive terms of one year each, unless the employer shall, at least sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of that first or any succeeding year file with the director a notice, in writing, to the effect that the employer withdraws the election to be subject to the provisions of those chapters, and gives reasonable notice of this to the employer’s workers; provided, that any employer now subject to the provisions of those chapters shall not be required to file a further written statement of acceptance or subsequently post notices of the employer’s acceptance.
(b)
Any employer, including any corporation officer, who or that is on December 31, 1998, subject to the provisions of chapters 29 — 38 of this title and who has not waived coverage pursuant to § 28-29-17 or by election, shall continue to be subject to those chapters and amendments to them unless or until the employer withdraws, in writing, the employer’s election to be subject to the provisions of those chapters pursuant to the provisions of subsection (a) of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 831, art. 1, § 5; P.L. 1921, ch. 2095, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 92, art. 1, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 1, § 4; P.L. 1942, ch. 1193, § 1; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-29-8; P.L. 1985, ch. 365, § 4; P.L. 1998, ch. 32, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 1, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 109, § 32.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-29 - Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions › Section 28-29-9. - Service of process on nonresident employers.

§ 28-29-9. Service of process on nonresident employers.
Every employer, subject to or who or that elects to become subject to the provisions of chapters 29 — 38 of this title, other than a corporation, who or that is not a resident of the state or an unincorporated association, a firm, or a partnership, having no members resident of the state, shall file with the director a duly executed written power appointing some competent person resident in this state as the employer’s agent with authority to accept service of process against the employer in this state and upon whom all process, including the process of garnishment, against the employer in this state may be served, and who, in case of garnishment when the fees for it have been paid or tendered, shall make the affidavit required by law in those cases, and who shall cause an appearance to be entered in like manner as if the employer had resided and been duly served with process within this state. Service of process upon the resident agent shall be deemed sufficient service upon the employer. If the resident agent dies, resigns, or moves from the state, the employer shall file with the director a further written power appointing some other competent person residing in this state as agent for service of process purposes. No power of agency shall be revoked until after a like power has been given to some other competent person resident in this state and filed as provided. Any nonresident employer who or that has duly filed a withdrawal of election to be subject to the provisions of chapters 29 — 38 of this title may revoke the power of agency by a written instrument of revocation filed with the director. No revocation shall be effective as to any liability arising out of any act or omission on the part of the employer occurring prior to the time when the withdrawal of acceptance of the provisions of those chapters became effective.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 1, § 4; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-29-9; P.L. 1985, ch. 365, § 4; P.L. 1986, ch. 507, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-29 - Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions › Section 28-29-10. - Certificate of compliance with corporation laws required.

§ 28-29-10. Certificate of compliance with corporation laws required.
Every employer subject to or who elects to become subject to the provisions of chapters 29 — 38 of this title that is a corporation shall obtain and file or cause to be obtained and filed with the director a certificate from the secretary of state to the effect that the corporation has in all respects complied with the provisions of chapters 1 — 6 of title 7.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 1, § 4; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-29-10; P.L. 1985, ch. 365, § 4; P.L. 1986, ch. 507, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-29 - Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions › Section 28-29-11. - Annual certificate of compliance.

§ 28-29-11. Annual certificate of compliance.
All corporations that are or may become employers subject to the provisions of chapters 29 — 38 of this title shall annually in the month of June obtain and file or cause to be obtained and filed with the director a certificate from the secretary of state to the effect that the corporation has in all respects complied with the provisions of chapters 1 — 6 of title 7.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 1, § 4; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; P.L. 1955, ch. 3417, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-29-11; P.L. 1985, ch. 365, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-29 - Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions › Section 28-29-12. - Certificate fee.

§ 28-29-12. Certificate fee.
The secretary of state shall be paid five dollars ($5.00) for each certificate issued pursuant to §§ 28-29-10 and 28-29-11.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 1, § 4; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-29-12; P.L. 1960, ch. 74, § 15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-29 - Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions › Section 28-29-13. - Posting of summaries of law.

§ 28-29-13. Posting of summaries of law.
(a)
Every employer subject to or who or that elects to become subject to the provisions of chapters 29 — 38 of this title shall display a copy of the summary of the major provisions of the workers’ compensation act in conspicuous places in which workers are employed.
(b)
Any employer who or that fails to post the summaries required in this section shall be assessed a penalty of two hundred and fifty dollars ($250) per offense.
(c)
The director, in his or her discretion, may bring a civil action to collect all penalties assessed. The workers’ compensation court shall have jurisdiction to enforce compliance with any order of the director made pursuant to this section.
(d)
All penalties collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the general fund.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 1, § 4; P.L. 1942, ch. 1193, § 1; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-29-13; P.L. 1986, ch. 507, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 78, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 256, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 355, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-29 - Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions › Section 28-29-13.1. - Booklets — Information.

§ 28-29-13.1. Booklets — Information.
(a)
In order to ensure that both employers and employees are fully informed as to their rights and responsibilities, the director shall prepare, publish, and distribute an illustrated booklet explaining, in informal and readily understandable language, those rights and responsibilities. The director shall be responsible for periodic revision of the booklet.
(b)
The director may present educational seminars and publish a separate volume containing the provisions of the general laws relating to workers’ compensation. All fees received from the seminars and the sale of the publications shall be deposited as general revenues. All booklets and the publications referenced in this chapter shall indicate that they are not official publications of the state of Rhode Island, and they are published merely for the convenience of the public. They shall not be relied upon as authority for what is contained in the general laws.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 365, § 17; P.L. 1986, ch. 507, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 191, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 206, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 96.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-29 - Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions › Section 28-29-14. - Forms prescribed and furnished.

§ 28-29-14. Forms prescribed and furnished.
The director shall prescribe the form of a notice informing employees of their privilege under chapters 29 — 38 of this title, and the notice shall be incorporated in the notice prescribed in this chapter. Blank forms of election and withdrawal, as well as summaries as provided by § 28-29-13, shall be furnished by the director, on request.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 831, art. 1, § 5; P.L. 1921, ch. 2095, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 92, art. 1, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 1, § 4; P.L. 1942, ch. 1193, § 1; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-29-14; P.L. 1985, ch. 365, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-29 - Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions › Section 28-29-15. - Exemption of professional hockey personnel.

§ 28-29-15. Exemption of professional hockey personnel.
Professional ice hockey players, coaches, and trainers employed by a professional ice hockey club, including but not limited to National Hockey League or American Hockey League clubs, shall be exempted from the provisions of chapters 29 — 38 of this title while that employee is temporarily within this state doing work for his or her employer. Professional ice hockey players, coaches, and trainers employed by, or on assignment or transfer from their employer, shall be exempted if the employer has furnished workers’ compensation insurance coverage under the workers’ compensation or similar laws of the other state so as to cover the employee’s employment while in this state; provided, that the extraterritorial provisions of chapters 29 — 38 of this title are recognized in the other state and provided employers and employees who or that are covered in this state are likewise exempted from the application of the workers’ compensation or similar laws of the other state; provided further that the requirement for recognition in the other state of the extraterritorial provisions of chapters 29 — 38 of this title and the requirement that employers and employees who or that are covered in this state are likewise exempted from the application of the workers’ compensation or similar laws of the other state shall not apply to any employees who are professional ice hockey players, coaches, and trainers employed by a professional ice hockey club, including, but not limited to National Hockey League or American Hockey League clubs described in this section. The benefits under the workers’ compensation act or similar laws of the other state shall be the exclusive remedy against that employer for any injury, whether resulting in death or not, received by any employee while working for that employer in this state.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 9, § 7; P.L. 1941, ch. 1052, § 1; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-29-15; P.L. 1992, ch. 168, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 475, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 119, § 2; P.L. 2002, ch. 280, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-29 - Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions › Section 28-29-16. - Certificate of coverage by another state.

§ 28-29-16. Certificate of coverage by another state.
A certificate from the duly authorized officer of the workers’ compensation court or similar department of another state certifying that the employer from that other state is insured in that state and has provided extraterritorial coverage insuring the employer’s employees while working within this state shall be prima facie evidence that the employer carries the compensation insurance.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 9, § 8; P.L. 1941, ch. 1052, § 1; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-29-16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-29 - Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions › Section 28-29-17. - Waiver of common law rights — Notice of claim of common law right.

§ 28-29-17. Waiver of common law rights — Notice of claim of common law right.
Employees or corporate officers of an employer, or managers, managing members, or members of a limited-liability company subject to or who have elected to become subject to the provisions of chapters 29 — 38 of this title as provided in § 28-29-8 shall be held to have waived his or her right of action at common law to recover damages for personal injuries if he or she has not given his or her employer at the time of the contract of hire or appointment notice in writing that he or she claims that right and within ten (10) days after that has filed a copy of the notice with the director, or, if the contract of hire or appointment was made before the employer became subject to or elected to become subject to the provisions of those chapters, the employee, or corporate officer, or manager, managing member, or member of a limited-liability company must have given notice and filed it with the director within ten (10) days after the filing by the employer who or that is subject to or who or that has elected to become subject to the provisions of those chapters of the written statement as provided. That waiver shall continue in force for the term of one year, and after that, without further act on his or her part, for successive terms of one year each, unless the employee, or corporate officer, or manager, managing member, or member of a limited-liability company, at least sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of the first or any succeeding year files with the director a notice in writing to the effect that he or she desires to claim his or her right of action at common law and within ten (10) days thereafter gives notice of this to his or her employer.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 831, art. 1, § 6; P.L. 1921, ch. 2095, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 92, art. 1, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 1, § 5; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-29-17; P.L. 1985, ch. 365, § 4; P.L. 1986, ch. 507, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 256, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 355, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 273, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 293, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 342, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 403, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-29 - Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions › Section 28-29-18. - Minors deemed sui juris — Claim of common law rights.

§ 28-29-18. Minors deemed sui juris — Claim of common law rights.
A minor working at an age legally permitted under the laws of this state shall be deemed sui juris for the purpose of chapters 29 — 38 of this title and no other person shall have any cause of action or right to compensation for an injury to that minor employee except as expressly provided in those chapters; but if that minor has a parent living or a guardian, that parent or guardian, as the case may be, may give the notice and file a copy of it as provided by § 28-29-17, and that notice shall bind the minor in the same manner that adult employees are bound under the provisions of chapters 29 — 38 of this title. In case no notice is given, the minor shall be held to have waived his or her right of action at common law to recover damages for personal injuries.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 831, art. 1, § 6; P.L. 1921, ch. 2095, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 92, art. 1, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 1, § 5; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-29-18.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-29 - Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions › Section 28-29-19. - Waiver of claim of common law rights.

§ 28-29-19. Waiver of claim of common law rights.
(a)
Any employee, or the parent or guardian of any minor employee, who has given notice to the employer that he or she claimed his or her right of action at common law may waive that claim by filing a notice in writing with the director and the employer, or his or her agent, which shall take effect five (5) days after the filing with the director.
(b)
Any corporate officer, or manager, managing member, or member of a limited-liability company who has given notice to the employer and its workers’ compensation insurance carrier that they claimed their right of action at common law may waive that claim by filing a notice in writing with the director and the employer or their agent and its workers’ compensation insurance carrier which shall take effect five (5) days after the filing with the director. The insurance carrier shall keep a copy of the notice consistent with the rules and regulations of the department.
(c)
Any person who is appointed a corporate officer between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2001, and was not previously an employee of the corporation may elect to become subject to chapters 29 — 38 of this title upon filing a notice in writing with the director and his or her employer and its workers’ compensation insurance carrier which notice takes effect five (5) days after the filing of his or her notice.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 831, art. 1, § 6; P.L. 1921, ch. 2095, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 92, art. 1, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 1, § 5; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-29-19; P.L. 1998, ch. 32, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 256, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 355, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 119, § 2; P.L. 2002, ch. 280, § 2; P.L. 2004, ch. 273, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 293, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 342, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 403, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 86, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 98, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-29 - Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions › Section 28-29-20. - Rights in lieu of other rights and remedies.

§ 28-29-20. Rights in lieu of other rights and remedies.
The right to compensation for an injury under chapters 29 — 38 of this title, and the remedy for an injury granted by those chapters, shall be in lieu of all rights and remedies as to that injury now existing, either at common law or otherwise against an employer, or its directors, officers, agents, or employees; and those rights and remedies shall not accrue to employees entitled to compensation under those chapters while they are in effect, except as otherwise provided in §§ 28-36-10 and 28-36-15.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 831, art. 1, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 92, art. 1, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 1, § 6; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-29-20; P.L. 1982, ch. 32, art. 1, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-29 - Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions › Section 28-29-21. - Wrongful death law inapplicable.

§ 28-29-21. Wrongful death law inapplicable.
In all cases where an employer and employee have elected to become subject to the provisions of chapters 29 — 38 of this title, the provisions of chapter 7 of title 10 shall not apply while those chapters are in effect.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 831, art. 5, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 92, art. 8, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 9, § 4; P.L. 1953, ch. 3215, § 3; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-29-21; P.L. 1986, ch. 507, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-29 - Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions › Section 28-29-22. - Agreement for alternative scheme — Approval and certification.

§ 28-29-22. Agreement for alternative scheme — Approval and certification.
Any employer may enter into an agreement with his or her employees in any employment to which chapters 29 — 38 of this title apply to provide a scheme of compensation, benefit, or insurance in lieu of the compensation provided for in those chapters, subject to the approval of the director and the chief judge of the workers’ compensation court. Approval shall be granted only on condition that the scheme proposed provides as great benefits as those provided by these chapters. If the scheme provides for contributions by employees, it shall confer additional benefits at least equivalent to the contributions. If a scheme meets with the approval of the director, he or she shall issue a certificate enabling the employer to contract with any or all of the employer’s employees in employment to which chapters 29 — 38 of this title apply to substitute that scheme for the provisions of those chapters for a period of not more than five (5) years.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 831, art. 4, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 92, art. 4, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 4, § 1; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-29-22; P.L. 1958, ch. 118, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 365, § 4; P.L. 2002, ch. 119, § 2; P.L. 2002, ch. 280, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-29 - Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions › Section 28-29-23. - Termination provisions in alternative scheme.

§ 28-29-23. Termination provisions in alternative scheme.
No scheme which provides for contributions by employees shall be certified as provided in § 28-29-22 which does not contain suitable provisions for the equitable distribution of any money or securities held for the purpose of the scheme, after due provision has been made to discharge the liabilities already incurred, if and when that certificate is revoked or the scheme otherwise terminated.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 831, art. 4, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 92, art. 4, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 4, § 2; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-29-23.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-29 - Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions › Section 28-29-24. - Revocation of certificate as to alternative scheme.

§ 28-29-24. Revocation of certificate as to alternative scheme.
If at any time the scheme no longer fulfills the requirements of §§ 28-29-22 and 28-29-23, or is not fairly administered, or any other valid and substantial reason for it exists, the director, on reasonable notice to the interested parties, shall revoke the certificate and the scheme shall be terminated.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 831, art. 4, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 92, art. 4, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 4, § 3; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-29-24; P.L. 1958, ch. 116, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 365, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-29 - Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions › Section 28-29-25. - Penal provisions in other statutes unaffected.

§ 28-29-25. Penal provisions in other statutes unaffected.
Nothing in chapters 29 — 38 of this title shall affect the liability of an employer to a fine or penalty under any other statute.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 831, art. 5, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 92, art. 8, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 9, § 2; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-29-25.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-29 - Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions › Section 28-29-26. - Supervision of enforcement.

§ 28-29-26. Supervision of enforcement.
(a) Department of labor and training.
The director as provided for in chapters 29 — 38 of this title, chapter 53 of this title, and chapter 16.1 of title 42, shall have supervision over the enforcement of the provisions of those chapters, and the director shall have the power and authority to adopt and enforce all reasonable rules, regulations, and orders necessary and suitable to the administration of the department’s responsibilities as described in those chapters.
(b)(1) Workers’ compensation court.
The workers’ compensation court, as provided for in chapters 29 — 38 of this title, shall have supervision over the enforcement of the provisions of the chapters, and shall have the power and authority to adopt and enforce all reasonable rules, regulations, and orders necessary and suitable to the administration of its responsibilities described in the chapters. In addition to the foregoing, the court shall have the power and authority to hear and decide appeals from the retirement board in accordance with § 45-21.2-9. The court shall remain judicially and administratively independent. The workers’ compensation court shall have original jurisdiction over all civil actions filed pursuant to §§ 28-36-15 and 28-37-28 and pursuant to the provisions of chapter 53 of this title.
(2)
Any petition arising from any dispute regardless of date of injury, unless specifically excepted, shall be filed with the court in accordance with chapter 35 of this title and the rules of practice promulgated by the workers’ compensation court.
(3)
The enactment of this subsection shall not affect the rights of the parties established by any existing memorandum of agreement, suspension agreement and receipt, preliminary determination of the department of workers’ compensation, order or decree, or any existing right to the payment of compensation acquired pursuant to § 28-29-6 or § 28-35-9.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2250, § 92; G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 9, § 5; P.L. 1941, ch. 1053, § 1; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-29-26; P.L. 1985, ch. 365, § 4; P.L. 1986, ch. 1, § 2; P.L. 1986, ch. 507, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 332, art. 1, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 206, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 66, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 101, § 2; P.L. 1994, ch. 401, § 3; P.L. 2000, ch. 109, § 32; P.L. 2007, ch. 509, § 2; P.L. 2011, ch. 151, art. 12, § 3; P.L. 2014, ch. 78, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 87, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-29 - Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions › Section 28-29-27. - Appropriations and disbursements.

§ 28-29-27. Appropriations and disbursements.
The general assembly shall annually appropriate out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated any sum that it may deem necessary to carry out the provisions of chapters 29 — 38 of this title and the state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her orders on the general treasurer for the payment of that sum or so much of it as may be from time to time required, upon the receipt by him or her of duly authenticated vouchers.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 9, § 10; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-29-27.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-29 - Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions › Section 28-29-28. - [Repealed.]

§ 28-29-28. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 9, § 11; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-29-28; Repealed by P.L. 1986, ch. 507, § 2, effective June 25, 1986.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-29 - Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions › Section 28-29-29. - Severability.

§ 28-29-29. Severability.
If any section of chapters 29 — 38 of this title is declared unconstitutional or invalid, that unconstitutionality or invalidity shall in no way affect the validity of any other portion of it which can be given reasonable effect without the part declared unconstitutional or invalid.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 831, art. 5, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 92, art. 8, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 9, § 3; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-29-29.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-29 - Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions › Section 28-29-30. - Advisory council.

§ 28-29-30. Advisory council.
(a)
There is created a workers’ compensation advisory council consisting of seventeen (17) members as follows:
(1)
The chief judge of the workers’ compensation court and two (2) additional judges of the workers’ compensation court and one member of the bar who primarily represents injured workers before the workers’ compensation court, both to be selected by the chief judge;
(2)
The director of business regulation;
(3)
The director of administration;
(4)
Three (3) representatives from labor appointed by the governor, one of whom shall be an injured worker;
(5)
Three (3) representatives from business appointed by the governor, one of whom shall represent cities and towns;
(6)
One representative from the general public appointed by the governor;
(7)
The chairperson of the senate labor committee, or his or her designee;
(8)
The chairperson of the house labor committee, or his or her designee;
(9)
The director of labor and training; and
(10)
The chief executive officer of the workers’ compensation insurance fund, or his or her designee.
(b)
It shall be the duty of the council to advise the governor and the general assembly, on an annual basis, on the administration of the workers’ compensation system.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 332, art. 1, § 11; P.L. 1991, ch. 206, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 31, § 2; P.L. 1994, ch. 101, § 2; P.L. 1997, ch. 158, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 119, § 2; P.L. 2002, ch. 280, § 2; P.L. 2014, ch. 231, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 289, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 86, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 98, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-30 - Workers’ Compensation Court › Section 28-30-1. - Court established — General powers.

§ 28-30-1. Court established — General powers.
(a)
There is established in the state of Rhode Island a workers’ compensation court consisting of a chief judge and nine (9) associate judges having the jurisdiction that may be necessary to carry out its duties under the provisions of the workers’ compensation act, chapters 29 — 38 of this title and the provisions of § 45-21.2-9, except those provisions of the act that establish violations of the act as crimes, offenses, or misdemeanors. The jurisdiction of those crimes, offenses, or misdemeanors shall remain in the district and superior courts as otherwise provided by law.
(b)
The court shall be a court of record with the same authority and power to subpoena and also the same authority and power to cite and punish for civil contempt as exist in the superior court. The court shall have a seal, and the members, administrator, deputy administrator, and assistant clerks of the court shall have the authority and power to administer oaths and affirmations.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 3, § 3; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-30-1; P.L. 1965, ch. 93, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 28, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 507, § 3; P.L. 1991, ch. 132, § 3; P.L. 1991, ch. 205, § 3; P.L. 1994, ch. 42, § 6; P.L. 2011, ch. 151, art. 12, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-30 - Workers’ Compensation Court › Section 28-30-2. - Appointment and terms of judges.

§ 28-30-2. Appointment and terms of judges.
(a)
Any workers’ compensation commissioner who was appointed and confirmed and who took the oath of that office and is holding that office on July 11, 1990, shall continue to remain in the office of workers’ compensation judge in accordance with the general laws. The appointment and confirmation as workers’ compensation judges and chief judge of those judges who took their oath of office and are holding the office on July 11, 1990, is ratified and confirmed.
(b)
Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of chief judge of the workers’ compensation court, or whenever the chief judge is unable by reason of illness to perform the duties of chief judge, then the chief justice of the Rhode Island supreme court shall designate one of the judges of the workers’ compensation court who is present and qualifies to act to perform the duties of the chief judge until the vacancy is filled or the disability removed. In the event that the chief judge determines that his or her absence for reasons other than illness will prevent him or her from performing the duties of that office, then the chief judge shall designate a workers’ compensation judge to perform those duties during the period of his or her absence. The workers’ compensation judges holding office on July 11, 1990, or subsequently appointed shall have precedence according to the dates of their commissions, or where the commissions of two (2) or more of them bear the same date, according to their ages.
(c)
With the approval of the chief judge, the judges of the court may appoint attorneys who are qualified as arbitrators under the court annexed arbitration procedures to act as masters and make findings under the supervision of the appointing judge. With the approval of the chief judge, unless specifically prohibited by chapter 27 of title 11, the judges may authorize the appearance of claims adjusters or lay representatives before the masters.
(d)
Whenever any person appointed to the office of the chief judge or associate judge fails to accept and qualify for the office or there is a vacancy in the office caused by death, resignation, retirement, removal, or any other cause whatsoever while the senate is in session, the governor shall appoint some person to fill the vacancy, and submit his or her appointment to the senate for confirmation in accordance with the general laws governing judicial selection, including the provisions of chapter 16.1 of title 8.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 3, § 3; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-30-2; P.L. 1971, ch. 254, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 267, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 32, art. 2, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 332, art. 1, § 2; P.L. 1991, ch. 44, art. 72, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 31, § 3; P.L. 1994, ch. 42, § 6; P.L. 2001, ch. 256, § 2; P.L. 2001, ch. 355, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-30 - Workers’ Compensation Court › Section 28-30-3. - Qualifications of judges — Sessions to hear cases.

§ 28-30-3. Qualifications of judges — Sessions to hear cases.
(a)
A workers’ compensation judge shall be an attorney at law and admitted to the bar. During his or her term of office a judge shall not engage in the practice of law or any other employment and shall not act as counsel or attorney at law.
(b)
The workers’ compensation court shall be in session five (5) days a week with all of its members available to hear compensation cases, except during July and August, when at least four (4) judges shall be available to hear workers’ compensation cases. All cases coming before the court shall be heard and decided by any of its members.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 3, § 13; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-30-3; P.L. 1978, ch. 267, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 32, art. 2, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-30 - Workers’ Compensation Court › Section 28-30-4. - Workers’ compensation administrator — Appointment — Powers and duties.

§ 28-30-4. Workers’ compensation administrator — Appointment — Powers and duties.
(a)
There shall be a workers’ compensation administrator who shall be appointed by the chief judge of the workers’ compensation court with the advice and consent of the senate. The chief judge of the workers’ compensation court, with the advice and consent of the senate, shall appoint a workers’ compensation administrator to serve for a period of five (5) years, and thereafter until his or her successor is appointed and qualified.
(b)
The administrator shall:
(1)
Supervise the preparation of an annual budget for the workers’ compensation court;
(2)
Formulate procedures governing the administration of workers’ compensation court services;
(3)
Make recommendations to the workers’ compensation court for improvement in court services;
(4)
Collect necessary statistics and prepare the annual report of the work of the workers’ compensation court;
(5)
Provide supervision and consultation to the staff of the workers’ compensation court concerning administration of court services, training and supervision of personnel, and fiscal management;
(6)
Perform any other duties that the workers’ compensation court specifies;
(7)
Have the power to act as a notary public as provided in § 42-30-14 [repealed].
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 3, § 3; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-30-4; P.L. 1971, ch. 150, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 111, § 3; P.L. 1982, ch. 32, art. 2, § 3; P.L. 1983, ch. 28, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 10, § 3; P.L. 2005, ch. 21, § 3; P.L. 2018, ch. 86, § 2; P.L. 2018, ch. 98, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-30 - Workers’ Compensation Court › Section 28-30-4.1. - Deputy administrator — Appointment and term of office.

§ 28-30-4.1. Deputy administrator — Appointment and term of office.
There shall be a deputy administrator of the workers’ compensation court who shall be appointed by the administrator of the workers’ compensation court with the approval of a majority of the judges. Beginning in January, 2002, and during the month of January in every fifth (5th) year thereafter, the administrator, with the approval of a majority of the judges, shall appoint a deputy administrator of the court to serve for a period of five (5) years, commencing on the first day of the following February, and thereafter until his or her successor is appointed and qualified.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 267, § 3; P.L. 1979, ch. 111, § 3; P.L. 2000, ch. 109, §§ 33, 55; P.L. 2001, ch. 256, § 2; P.L. 2001, ch. 355, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-30 - Workers’ Compensation Court › Section 28-30-4.2. - [Repealed.]

§ 28-30-4.2. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 44, art. 72, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 1992, ch. 31, § 17, effective May 18, 1992.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-30 - Workers’ Compensation Court › Section 28-30-5. - Vacancies in office of administrator.

§ 28-30-5. Vacancies in office of administrator.
In the event that a vacancy occurs in the office of the administrator, the chief judge of the workers’ compensation court, with the advice and consent of the senate, shall appoint a duly qualified person to act as administrator under the provisions of this chapter to serve for the balance of the unexpired term and until his or her successor is duly appointed and qualified.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 3, § 3; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-30-5; P.L. 1979, ch. 111, § 2; P.L. 1982, ch. 32, art. 2, § 3; P.L. 2005, ch. 10, § 3; P.L. 2005, ch. 21, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-30 - Workers’ Compensation Court › Section 28-30-5.1. - Vacancy in office of deputy administrator.

§ 28-30-5.1. Vacancy in office of deputy administrator.
In the event that a vacancy occurs in the office of the deputy administrator, the administrator, with the approval of a majority of the judges, shall appoint a duly qualified person to act as deputy administrator under the provisions of this chapter to fill the vacancy for the balance of the unexpired term; provided, further, that the person so appointed shall continue to fill the vacancy until his or her successor is duly appointed and qualified.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 111, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-30 - Workers’ Compensation Court › Section 28-30-6. - Administrator and deputy administrator to devote full time to office — Disability of administrator or deputy administrator.

§ 28-30-6. Administrator and deputy administrator to devote full time to office — Disability of administrator or deputy administrator.
The administrator and deputy administrator shall not be active in determining the policies or conducting the affairs of any employers’ association or labor organization, but they shall impartially devote their full time to the duties of their offices. In the event of sickness, absence, or disability that renders it impossible for the administrator to act, the deputy administrator shall serve until the disability is removed. In the event of sickness, absence, or disability that renders it impossible for the deputy administrator to act, the workers’ compensation court shall appoint a temporary deputy administrator to serve until the disability is removed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 3, § 3; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; P.L. 1956, ch. 3802, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-30-6; P.L. 1979, ch. 111, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-30 - Workers’ Compensation Court › Section 28-30-7. - Clerical assistance to administrator.

§ 28-30-7. Clerical assistance to administrator.
The administrator, with the approval of the chief judge of the workers’ compensation court, may employ any clerical assistance that he or she may require for copying, recording, indexing, and attending upon the files of the court, and may appoint additional staff as necessary.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 3, § 3; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-30-7; P.L. 1979, ch. 111, § 2; P.L. 1990, ch. 332, art. 1, § 2; P.L. 1991, ch. 206, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 109, § 33; P.L. 2014, ch. 78, § 2; P.L. 2014, ch. 87, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-30 - Workers’ Compensation Court › Section 28-30-8. - [Repealed.]

§ 28-30-8. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 3, § 3; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-30-8; P.L. 1979, ch. 111, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 2014, ch. 78, § 3, effective June 9, 2014; P.L. 2014, ch. 87, § 3, effective June 9, 2014.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-30 - Workers’ Compensation Court › Section 28-30-9. - Location of court — Place of hearings.

§ 28-30-9. Location of court — Place of hearings.
The workers’ compensation court shall be located in Providence and all hearings before the court concerning compensation shall be conducted in Providence, unless the workers’ compensation court otherwise designates.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 3, § 3; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-30-9; P.L. 1986, ch. 507, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-30 - Workers’ Compensation Court › Section 28-30-10. - Hearings open — Recording of decisions.

§ 28-30-10. Hearings open — Recording of decisions.
All matters heard by the workers’ compensation court shall be in open session and decisions and decrees shall only be recorded in Providence.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 3, § 3; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-30-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-30 - Workers’ Compensation Court › Section 28-30-11. - Representation of parties before court.

§ 28-30-11. Representation of parties before court.
An employee who is a party to any proceeding before the workers’ compensation court may appear before the court on his or her own behalf. An employer who or that is a party to any proceeding before the workers’ compensation court may appear before the court on the employer’s own behalf, or may be represented as provided in § 28-35-63.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 3, § 3; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-30-11; P.L. 1984, ch. 142, art. 7, § 9; P.L. 1984 (s.s.), ch. 450, § 3; P.L. 1986, ch. 507, § 3.