reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-2 - Duty to Work in Time of War › Section 28-2-1. - Duty to work — Proclamation of governor — Penalty.

§ 28-2-1. Duty to work — Proclamation of governor — Penalty.
It is the duty of every able-bodied male resident of this state between the ages of eighteen (18) and fifty (50) years to be habitually and regularly engaged in some lawful, useful, and recognized business, profession, occupation, trade, or employment. Whenever the governor of this state issues a proclamation determining that employment is necessary and essential for the protection and welfare of this state and of the United States because of the existence of a state of war in which the United States may be engaged, and from that time on until the termination of that war, any able-bodied male resident of this state between the ages of eighteen (18) and fifty (50) who fails or refuses to be employed for at least thirty-six (36) hours per week shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall pay a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100), or be imprisoned for a term not to exceed three (3) months, or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 1918, ch. 1661, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 90, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 288, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-2-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-2 - Duty to Work in Time of War › Section 28-2-2. - Possession of property or income not defense.

§ 28-2-2. Possession of property or income not defense.
In no case shall the possession by the accused of money, property, or income sufficient to support himself and those regularly dependent upon him be a defense to any prosecution under this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1918, ch. 1661, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 90, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 288, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 28-2-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-2 - Duty to Work in Time of War › Section 28-2-3. - Inability to find work as defense.

§ 28-2-3. Inability to find work as defense.
In no case shall the claim by the accused of his inability to obtain work or employment be a defense to a prosecution under this chapter, unless it is proven that the accused promptly notified the director of labor and training of his inability to obtain employment, requested that work or employment be found for him, that the employment was not furnished, and he holds a certificate from the director of labor and training, or his or her duly authorized subordinate, that the application has been made.
History of Section.
P.L. 1918, ch. 1661, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 90, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 288, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 28-2-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-2 - Duty to Work in Time of War › Section 28-2-4. - Assignment to work of persons unable to find work.

§ 28-2-4. Assignment to work of persons unable to find work.
It shall be the duty of the director of labor and training, whenever any person informs him or her of his inability to obtain employment, to register the name of the person in the office of the director of labor and training, together with his address, age, and any other information which he or she deems necessary. The director of labor and training shall then assign, or cause to be assigned, and, if necessary, reassign or cause to be reassigned, the person to lawful, useful, and recognized occupations carried on by the state or any county or municipality of the state, or by private employers, engaged in agricultural, industrial, or other occupations of that character, and who accept the services of those persons; provided, that no person shall be required to work under this chapter any greater number of hours per day than lawfully constitutes a day’s work in the occupation in which the person is required to engage. In the event the director of labor and training is unable to procure employment for the person applying, it shall then be the duty of the director of labor and training, or his or her duly authorized subordinate, to so certify to the person in writing.
History of Section.
P.L. 1918, ch. 1661, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 90, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 288, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 28-2-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-2 - Duty to Work in Time of War › Section 28-2-5. - Compensation of persons assigned to work.

§ 28-2-5. Compensation of persons assigned to work.
All persons required to work under this chapter shall receive compensation of not less than the wage or salary paid to others engaged in the same nature of work to which each person is assigned. If any person is assigned to work for any department, board, division, or commission of the state, then the compensation of the person shall be paid to him by the department, board, division, or commission out of the appropriation made to it by the state. If any person is assigned to work for any county or for any municipality, or for any private employer, then the compensation of the person shall be paid to him by the county or municipality, or by the private employer, accepting his services.
History of Section.
P.L. 1918, ch. 1661, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 90, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 288, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 28-2-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-2 - Duty to Work in Time of War › Section 28-2-6. - Penalty for failure to do assigned work.

§ 28-2-6. Penalty for failure to do assigned work.
Any person failing or refusing to do, or to continue to do, the work assigned to him, or who, in the meanwhile, has not become regularly or continuously employed in some lawful, useful, and recognized business, occupation, trade, profession, or employment, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall pay a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100), or be imprisoned for a term not exceeding three (3) months, or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 1918, ch. 1661, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 90, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 288, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 28-2-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-2 - Duty to Work in Time of War › Section 28-2-7. - Rules and regulations for assignment — Circumstances to be considered.

§ 28-2-7. Rules and regulations for assignment — Circumstances to be considered.
As soon as the proclamation has been issued as provided in § 28-2-1, it shall be the duty of the director of labor and training to prepare and publish any rules and regulations governing the assignment of persons to work under this chapter as will assure that all persons similarly circumstanced are, as far as it is possible to do so, treated alike. In assigning anyone to work, the director of labor and training shall take into consideration the age, physical condition, and any other appropriate circumstances of the person so assigned, and the rules and regulations to be promulgated by the director of labor and training, under the provisions of this chapter, shall make allowances for those facts and circumstances.
History of Section.
P.L. 1918, ch. 1661, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 90, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 288, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 28-2-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-2 - Duty to Work in Time of War › Section 28-2-8. - Duty of law enforcement officers to seek unemployed persons.

§ 28-2-8. Duty of law enforcement officers to seek unemployed persons.
After the issuance of the proclamation in § 28-2-1, it shall be the duty of a member of the division of sheriffs and of any other officer, state, county, or municipality charged with enforcing the law, to seek and continue to seek diligently the names and places of residence of able-bodied male persons within their respective jurisdictions between the ages of eighteen (18) and fifty (50) not regularly or continuously employed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1918, ch. 1661, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 90, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 288, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 28-2-8; P.L. 2012, ch. 324, § 54.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-2 - Duty to Work in Time of War › Section 28-2-9. - Employment of personnel — Assistance by other agencies.

§ 28-2-9. Employment of personnel — Assistance by other agencies.
The director of labor and training is authorized to appoint or employ any employees that may be necessary, and to use any agencies that may be available and appropriate, to aid him or her in carrying out the provisions of this chapter, and the director may delegate any and all of his or her powers and duties prescribed by the provisions of this chapter to the workforce development services division.
History of Section.
P.L. 1918, ch. 1661, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 90, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 288, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 28-2-9; P.L. 2022, ch. 234, art. 1, § 2, effective December 31, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-2 - Duty to Work in Time of War › Section 28-2-10. - Exemption of temporarily unemployed and students.

§ 28-2-10. Exemption of temporarily unemployed and students.
The provisions of this chapter do not apply to persons temporarily unemployed by reason of differences with their employers, to bona fide students during the school term, or to persons preparing themselves to engage in trade or industrial pursuits.
History of Section.
P.L. 1918, ch. 1661, § 10; G.L. 1923, ch. 90, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 288, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 28-2-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-2 - Duty to Work in Time of War › Section 28-2-11. - Persons deemed residents — Habitual loiterers.

§ 28-2-11. Persons deemed residents — Habitual loiterers.
For the purposes of this chapter, any male person described in § 28-2-1 found in this state shall be deemed a resident, and in any prosecution under this chapter proof that the accused habitually loiters in idleness in streets, roads, depots, poolrooms, saloons, hotels, stores, or other places shall be prima facie evidence of the failure or refusal of the person to comply with the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1918, ch. 1661, § 11; G.L. 1923, ch. 90, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 288, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 28-2-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-3 - Employment of Children › Section 28-3-1. - Places and times where employment of children prohibited.

§ 28-3-1. Places and times where employment of children prohibited.
No child under fourteen (14) years of age shall be employed or permitted or suffered to work at any time in any business or industrial establishment in this state. No child under sixteen (16) years of age shall be employed or permitted or suffered to work at any time in any factory, mechanical, or manufacturing establishment within this state. A child who has reached the fourteenth (14th) birthday, but has not reached the sixteenth (16th) birthday, may be employed only between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m; except that a child who has reached the fourteenth (14th) birthday, but has not reached the sixteenth (16th) birthday, may be employed until 9:00 p.m. but only during school vacations; and except as provided in § 28-3-3 no child under sixteen (16) years of age shall be employed or permitted or suffered to work in any business establishment within this state. Every person willfully violating the provisions of this section shall be fined as provided in § 28-3-20.
History of Section.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1312, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-3-1; P.L. 1974, ch. 205, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 309, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-3 - Employment of Children › Section 28-3-2. - Production of certificate of age on demand by compliance inspector.

§ 28-3-2. Production of certificate of age on demand by compliance inspector.
Whenever any truant officer or compliance inspector has reason to doubt that any child employed in any factory, mechanical, manufacturing, or business establishment has reached the age of sixteen (16) years, the compliance inspector shall demand of the child’s employer that the employer shall furnish him or her within ten (10) days a certificate of age issued by the department of elementary and secondary education. If the employer refuses or fails to produce the certificate within ten (10) days, or in case the certificate does not show that the child has completed sixteen (16) years of life, the employer shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction shall be subject to a fine of twenty dollars ($20.00). For the purpose of this chapter, the department of elementary and secondary education shall determine the age of the child on the presentation of a birth certificate, baptismal certificate, passport, or other evidence satisfactory to it.
History of Section.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1312, § 1; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-3-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-3 - Employment of Children › Section 28-3-3. - Issuance of limited permits for work by children.

§ 28-3-3. Issuance of limited permits for work by children.
The school committee of each city or town, or any person the school committee may designate, may issue for any child who has completed fourteen (14) years of age a special limited permit to work, permitting the employment of the child on days on which schools are not in session, and on school days at hours in which schools are not in session, at any legal employment and subject to the requirements of law limiting the employment of children, but not for employment in factories or in mechanical or manufacturing establishments. The permits to work shall be uniform throughout the state, and the permit to work form shall be prescribed and provided by the department of labor and training. A child must certify to the department that they have successfully completed a training program created by the department that would address workers’ rights, workplace health and safety, and workers’ compensation before a permit can be issued. The program shall be no longer than three (3) hours and shall be available virtually. The content, cost, and funding for this training program shall be determined by rules and regulations promulgated by the department of labor and training. The school committee of each city or town, or any person the school committee may designate to issue the permits to work provided for in this section, shall keep on file a copy of each permit to work granted, together with the evidence on which the permit to work was granted.
History of Section.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1312, § 1; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 28-3-3; P.L. 1974, ch. 205, § 2; P.L. 2022, ch. 81, § 1, effective June 15, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 82, § 1, effective June 15, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-3 - Employment of Children › Section 28-3-3.1. - Work experience program.

§ 28-3-3.1. Work experience program.
The school committee of each city and town is authorized to adopt and implement a school-supervised and school-administered work experience and career exploration program (WECEP), under which students who have completed fourteen (14) years of age may be enrolled, notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter, in a work experience career exploration program (WECEP) as approved by the wage/hour administrator of the United States Department of Labor in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, 29 U.S.C. § 201 et seq., and 29 C.F.R. 570.1 et seq. (child labor regulations).
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 210, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-3 - Employment of Children › Section 28-3-3.2. - Revocation or suspension of permit.

§ 28-3-3.2. Revocation or suspension of permit.
The permit of any child issued pursuant to § 28-3-3 may be revoked or suspended by the school committee that issued the permit if upon the recommendation of the principal of the school that the child attends, to the school committee, that the issuance of the permit appears detrimental to the well-being of the student, detrimental to the academic success of the student, or the student has failed to comply with all of the legal requirements concerning school attendance. The child shall be afforded written notice and a hearing before the school committee before any revocation or suspension takes effect. All hearings pursuant to this chapter shall be closed in accordance with the provisions of §§ 42-46-4 and 42-46-5(a)(1). The refusal of any child to surrender his or her permit after it has been revoked shall be a violation of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 308, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-3 - Employment of Children › Section 28-3-3.3. - Manufacturing and industrial pre-apprenticeship and internships.

§ 28-3-3.3. Manufacturing and industrial pre-apprenticeship and internships.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to preclude any manufacturing or industrial pre-apprenticeship or internship program, provided that the child is sixteen (16) years of age or older and that the pre-apprenticeship or internship program complies with the career and technical education regulations promulgated by the board of education pursuant to § 16-45-1 et seq.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 122, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 128, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-3 - Employment of Children › Section 28-3-4. - Return of permit on termination of employment.

§ 28-3-4. Return of permit on termination of employment.
The permit shall, within five (5) days after termination of the employment of the child, be returned by the employer to the school committee that issued it, or to any person the committee shall designate, and shall be kept on file until the official authorized to issue the certificate has received a written statement that the child will be employed in accordance with the provisions of law and that upon the termination of that employment, that permit will be disposed of.
History of Section.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1312, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-3-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-3 - Employment of Children › Section 28-3-5. - Proof of age for employment certificate.

§ 28-3-5. Proof of age for employment certificate.
If it appears to the satisfaction of the school committee, or person authorized to give the certificate, that neither the birth certificate, baptismal certificate, nor passport of the child can be produced, the age and employment certificate may be granted on other evidence satisfactory to the department of elementary and secondary education.
History of Section.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1312, § 1; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 28-3-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-3 - Employment of Children › Section 28-3-6. - Certificates and permits kept by employer.

§ 28-3-6. Certificates and permits kept by employer.
All certificates of age and permits required by this chapter relating to the qualification of children employed in any factory, or manufacturing, or business establishment coming under the provisions of this chapter, shall be kept by the employer at the place where the child is employed, and shall be shown to the compliance inspectors provided for by chapter 20 of this title, or either or any of them, on demand by the inspector or inspectors, and the proprietor or manager of any factory or manufacturing or business establishment who shall fail to produce or shall refuse to show to any compliance inspector any certificate or permit when demand is made therefore, shall be fined one hundred dollars ($100) for each offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1312, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-3-6; P.L. 2005, ch. 391, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-3 - Employment of Children › Section 28-3-7. - Cancellation of erroneously issued certificates.

§ 28-3-7. Cancellation of erroneously issued certificates.
If, after investigation, the inspector finds that the certificate or permit should not have been issued to the child under the provisions of this chapter, then he or she shall: (1) Deliver the certificate or permit to the person who issued it; (2) Order it to be cancelled; and (3) Notify the employer that the child must no longer be employed. Every employer or proprietor or manager of any factory or manufacturing or business establishment who continues to employ the child after receiving the notice from any compliance inspector shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be subject to the penalty imposed by § 28-3-20.
History of Section.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1312, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-3-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-3 - Employment of Children › Section 28-3-8. - Employment subject to provisions.

§ 28-3-8. Employment subject to provisions.
Every person, firm, or corporation doing business within this state employing five (5) or more persons, or employing any child under sixteen (16) years of age, shall be subject to the provisions of §§ 28-3-1 — 28-3-20 whatever the business conducted by the person, firm, or corporation; provided, that the provisions of §§ 28-3-1 — 28-3-20 do not apply to children employed in household service or in agricultural pursuits; and provided, further, that the provisions do not apply to the employment of children in the vocation, occupation, or service of rope or wire walking, or as gymnasts, wrestlers, contortionists, equestrian performers, or acrobats, riders upon bicycles, or mechanical contrivances, or in any dancing, theatrical, or musical exhibition, but the employment of children in any vocation, occupation, or service enumerated in this proviso shall continue to be governed by the provisions of §§ 11-9-1 — 11-9-8.
History of Section.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1312, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 28-3-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-3 - Employment of Children › Section 28-3-9. - Employment of minors in hazardous places or occupations.

§ 28-3-9. Employment of minors in hazardous places or occupations.
No minor under sixteen (16) years of age shall be employed or permitted to work in operations or operating or assisting in operating any of the following machines: circular or bandsaws, wood shapers, wood jointers, planers, sand paper or wood polishing machinery; picker machines or machines used in picking wool, cotton, fur, hair, or any upholstering material; paper lace machines; burnishing machines in any tannery or leather manufactory; job or cylinder printing presses, having motive power other than foot; wood turning or boring machinery; stamping machines used in sheet metal or tinware manufacturing or in washer and nut factories; machines used in making corrugated rolls; steam boilers, dough brakes, or cracker machinery of any description; wire or iron straightening machinery; rolling mill machinery, power punches, shears, or rolls in rubber manufacturing drop presses; washing, grinding, or mixing machinery; calender rolls in rubber manufacturing; laundering or dry cleaning machinery; or in any capacity in adjusting or assisting in adjusting any belt to any machinery or in oiling or cleaning machinery in motion; or in any capacity in preparing any composition in which dangerous or poisonous acids are used; or in the manufacture or packing of paints, dry colors, or red or white lead; or in dipping, dyeing, or packing matches; or in the manufacture, packing, or storing of powder, dynamite, nitroglycerine compounds, fuses, or other explosives; or in stripping, assorting, manufacturing or packing tobacco; or in a tunnel; or in a pool or billiard room; or upon any railroad, whether steam or electric; or in any foundry; or in any place where dangerous belting or gearing is not provided with proper safeguards; or in any work, occupation, place, or process declared by the department of labor and training to be injurious, dangerous, or hazardous for minors under sixteen (16) years of age; or on any docks, private or public, warehouses and storage rooms; dispensing gasoline or other types of fuel, checking or changing of oil or other fluids, parking lot attendants; car washes either by hand or machine (including drying vehicles by hand.)
History of Section.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1312, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 28-3-9; P.L. 1988, ch. 517, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 391, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-3 - Employment of Children › Section 28-3-9.1. - Employment of minors as adult entertainment performers prohibited.

§ 28-3-9.1. Employment of minors as adult entertainment performers prohibited.
No person under the age of eighteen (18) may work in a commercial adult entertainment establishment.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 219, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 220, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-3 - Employment of Children › Section 28-3-10. - Declaration of places or occupations as hazardous for minors.

§ 28-3-10. Declaration of places or occupations as hazardous for minors.
The department of labor and training is empowered and is authorized, under any rules that it may determine, to declare any particular work, occupation, trade, place, or process injurious, dangerous, or hazardous for minors under sixteen (16) years of age. The department of labor and training is also empowered and authorized, under any rules that it may determine, to declare any particular work, occupation, trade, place, or process injurious, dangerous, or hazardous for any particular minor under sixteen (16) years of age, although the work, occupation, trade, place, or process may not have been declared injurious, dangerous, or hazardous for all minors under sixteen (16) years of age. When the rules are determined, it shall be unlawful for the particular minor to be employed or permitted to work in the particular work, occupation, trade, place, or process declared by the department of labor and training to be injurious, dangerous, or hazardous for him or her.
History of Section.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1312, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 28-3-10; P.L. 1986, ch. 198, § 13; P.L. 1988, ch. 517, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-3 - Employment of Children › Section 28-3-11. - Hours of work for children.

§ 28-3-11. Hours of work for children.
(a)
No children under sixteen (16) years of age shall be employed or permitted or suffered to work more than forty (40) hours in any one week in any business or mercantile establishment within this state, and in no case shall the hours of labor exceed eight (8) hours in any one day. No child under eighteen (18) years of age shall be employed or permitted or suffered to work in any factory, manufacturing, mechanical, business, or mercantile establishment within this state more than forty-eight (48) hours in any one workweek. In no case shall the hours of labor exceed nine (9) hours in any calendar day, except when forty-eight (48) hours are worked in five (5) days, in which case the hours of labor shall not exceed nine and three-fifths (9⅗) hours in any calendar day. There shall be an interval (or period of cessation from work) of not less than eight (8) hours between the ending of the period of work on one calendar day and the beginning of a period of work on the subsequent consecutive calendar day.
(b)
No minor between the ages of sixteen (16) and eighteen (18) years of age regularly attending a public or approved private day school or institution of higher learning shall be employed or permitted or suffered to work in any factory, manufacturing, mechanical, business, or mercantile establishment within this state before 6:00 a.m. or after 11:30 p.m. of any one day preceding a regularly scheduled school day, except that the minor may be employed or permitted or suffered to work until 1:30 a.m. of any nonregularly scheduled school day.
(c)
Any minor between the ages of sixteen (16) and eighteen (18) may be employed during school vacations without limitation as to the total hours to be worked in a given week or calendar day provided the provisions of all other applicable federal and state laws and regulations are complied with. This provision applies as long as it continues to be permitted by federal law and/or regulation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1312, § 4; P.L. 1945, ch. 1625, § 1; P.L. 1950, ch. 2623, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-3-11; P.L. 1962, ch. 194, § 1; P.L. 1963, ch. 132, § 1; P.L. 1974, ch. 205, § 3; P.L. 1980, ch. 34, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 299, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 371, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-3 - Employment of Children › Section 28-3-12. - Posting of hours and wage rates.

§ 28-3-12. Posting of hours and wage rates.
Every employer shall post, in one or more places in the employer’s establishment where it may be easily seen and read by all employees employed by the employer, a printed or typewritten notice stating the minimum rates of pay, including hourly rates, or piece rate or both, as the case may be, that the employees are receiving for the various types of work performed in the establishment, and the number of hours’ work required of the person on each day of the week, and the hours of commencing and stopping work. The employment of any minor for a longer time in a period of twenty-four (24) consecutive hours than so stated shall be deemed a violation of § 28-3-11. The provisions of §§ 28-3-11, 28-3-11.1 [repealed], and this section shall not be construed to impair any restriction placed upon the employment of any child by the provisions of chapter 19 of title 16.
History of Section.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1312, § 4; P.L. 1945, ch. 1625, § 1; P.L. 1950, ch. 2623, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-3-12; P.L. 1975, ch. 202, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 216, § 6; P.L. 2022, ch. 234, art. 1, § 3, effective December 31, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-3 - Employment of Children › Section 28-3-14. - Maximum continuous employment without mealtime.

§ 28-3-14. Maximum continuous employment without mealtime.
All employees are entitled to a twenty-minute (20) mealtime within a six-hour (6) work shift, and a thirty-minute (30) mealtime with an eight-hour (8) work shift. An employer shall not be required to compensate an employee for this mealtime. The provisions of this section shall not apply to: (a) An employer of healthcare facilities licensed in accordance with chapter 17 of title 23; or (b) An employer who employs less than three (3) people on any shift at the worksite.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 606, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-3 - Employment of Children › Section 28-3-15. - Penalty for violation of provisions of this chapter.

§ 28-3-15. Penalty for violation of provisions of this chapter.
Every person who willfully employs or has in his or her employ or under his or her charge any person in violation of the provisions of this chapter, and every parent or guardian who permits any child to be so employed, shall be fined one hundred dollars ($100) for each offense. The certificates of age and the permits to work required by §§ 28-3-2 and 28-3-3 shall be prima facie evidence of the age of a child upon trial of any person other than the parent or guardian for the violation of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1312, § 5; P.L. 1945, ch. 1659, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 28-3-15; P.L. 2005, ch. 391, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-3 - Employment of Children › Section 28-3-18. - Enforcement of provisions — Prosecution of violations.

§ 28-3-18. Enforcement of provisions — Prosecution of violations.
The division of labor standards has full power to enforce §§ 28-3-1 — 28-3-20, and has all the powers of the division of compliance inspection insofar as those powers relate to and affect women and children. All actions, suits, complaints, and prosecutions for the violation of any of the provisions of these sections shall be brought by and in the name of the director of labor and training or the chief of the division of labor standards in the department of labor and training; or by and in the name of any duly authorized representative of the director of labor and training.
History of Section.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1312, § 9; P.L. 1950, ch. 2622, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-3-18; P.L. 1973, ch. 250, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-3 - Employment of Children › Section 28-3-19. - Posting of copies of law.

§ 28-3-19. Posting of copies of law.
A printed copy of §§ 28-3-1 — 28-3-20 shall be posted by the inspectors in each workroom of every factory, manufacturing, or mercantile establishment where persons are employed who are affected by the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1312, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 28-3-19.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-3 - Employment of Children › Section 28-3-20. - Penalty for violations generally.

§ 28-3-20. Penalty for violations generally.
Except as otherwise specifically provided, any person or corporation who or that: (1) Employs a child under sixteen (16) years of age without the permit required by § 28-3-3; (2) Makes a false statement in regard to any part required by the certificate; (3) Violates any of the provisions of §§ 28-3-1 — 28-3-20, or suffers or permits any child to be employed in violation of their provisions, shall be fined five hundred dollars ($500) for each offense; provided, however, that if a child employed in violation of the provisions of §§ 28-3-1 — 28-3-20 is injured or killed in the course of the employment, then the above fine may be increased to five thousand dollars ($5,000); and, provided further, however, that this section does not apply to that portion of § 28-3-6 which fixes the penalty for the refusal to show to the inspector any certificate provided for in that section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1312, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 28-3-20; P.L. 1989, ch. 61, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 391, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 216, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-3 - Employment of Children › Section 28-3-32. - Immunity from liability for costs.

§ 28-3-32. Immunity from liability for costs.
No police officer, probation officer, truant officer, or principal of a school complaining under any of the provisions of this chapter shall be required to give surety for costs; and no such person shall in any way be liable for any costs that may accrue on the complaint.
History of Section.
P.L. 1915, ch. 1264, § 12; G.L. 1923, ch. 143, § 12; G.L. 1938, ch. 378, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 28-3-32.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-4 - Indenture of Apprentices › Section 28-4-1. - Power of minor to execute indenture.

§ 28-4-1. Power of minor to execute indenture.
Any minor being sixteen (16) years of age or over, or who, being under sixteen (16) years of age, has a limited permit to work given him or her by or under the direction of the school committee where the minor resides under the provisions of chapter 3 of this title, may, by execution of an indenture, bind himself or herself as provided in this chapter, for a term of service of not less than one year.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 198, §§ 1-3; G.L. 1909, ch. 249, §§ 1-3; G.L. 1923, ch. 91, §§ 1-3; P.L. 1926, ch. 841, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 294, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-4-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-4 - Indenture of Apprentices › Section 28-4-2. - Parties to sign indenture.

§ 28-4-2. Parties to sign indenture.
Every indenture shall be signed:
(1)
By the minor;
(2)
By the parents, or either one of them, as the natural guardians or guardian of the minor; or by the duly appointed legal guardian of the person, or of the person and estate of the minor, if any; or by the person having the legal custody of the minor;
(3)
By the employer.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 198, §§ 1, 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 249, §§ 1, 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 91, §§ 1, 2; P.L. 1926, ch. 841, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 294, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 28-4-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-4 - Indenture of Apprentices › Section 28-4-3. - Contents of indenture.

§ 28-4-3. Contents of indenture.
Every indenture shall contain:
(1)
The names of the parties;
(2)
The date of birth of the minor;
(3)
A statement of the trade, craft, or business which the minor is to be taught;
(4)
An agreement that a certificate shall be given to the apprentice at the conclusion of his or her indenture, stating that he or she has completed the apprenticeship under the indenture.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 91, § 3; P.L. 1926, ch. 841, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 294, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 28-4-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-4 - Indenture of Apprentices › Section 28-4-4. - Deeds in triplicate.

§ 28-4-4. Deeds in triplicate.
In every case there shall be three (3) deeds in the same form and tenor, executed by all parties, one to be kept by each party.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 198, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 249, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 91, § 4; P.L. 1926, ch. 841, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 294, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 28-4-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-4 - Indenture of Apprentices › Section 28-4-5. - Effect of indenture as against parties.

§ 28-4-5. Effect of indenture as against parties.
All indentures made in accordance with the provisions of §§ 28-4-1 — 28-4-4 shall be good and effectual in law against all parties and the minor engaged by them, according to their tenor, except as to any of their provisions that the court, in which any suit or controversy relating to the articles of indenture may be heard, shall determine to be unjust or unreasonable.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 91, § 5; P.L. 1926, ch. 841, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 294, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 28-4-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-4 - Indenture of Apprentices › Section 28-4-6. - Petition or complaint for breach of indenture — Summons.

§ 28-4-6. Petition or complaint for breach of indenture — Summons.
Whenever a petition or complaint in writing and under oath is made to any judge of the district court that any master or apprentice, within a division where the court is situated, has willfully neglected or refused to comply with or perform the terms and provisions of any indenture, the judge, if satisfied that there is a reasonable cause for the petition or complaint, shall issue a summons requiring the master or apprentice to appear before the court at a time and place named in the summons to answer relative to the petition or complaint. The petitioner or complainant shall cause the summons to be served by some officer qualified to serve civil process upon the person complained of at least six (6) days before the time set for appearance and hearing by reading the summons to the person to be served, or by leaving an attested copy of it with the person to be served in his or her hands and possession, or at his or her last and usual place of abode with some person living there, or if the person to be served is a corporation, then, by leaving an attested copy of the summons with some officer of the corporation or at the office of the corporation with some person employed there.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 91, § 6; P.L. 1926, ch. 841, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 294, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 28-4-6; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 55.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-4 - Indenture of Apprentices › Section 28-4-7. - Determination of petition or complaint — Enforcement of order.

§ 28-4-7. Determination of petition or complaint — Enforcement of order.
Upon the hearing of a petition or complaint, the court may determine the controversy or matter complained of in a summary way, and discharge either party from the indenture and contract of apprenticeship, and may make any further order in the premises that the case may require and seems proper to the court. Any neglect or failure of any person, against whom any order is made, to do, perform, or comply with the order shall be contempt of court, and the court may enforce its order by proceedings for contempt.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 91, § 7; P.L. 1926, ch. 841, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 294, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 28-4-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-5 - Fair Employment Practices › Section 28-5-1. - Short title.

§ 28-5-1. Short title.
This chapter may be cited as the “State Fair Employment Practices Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 1949, ch. 2181, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 28-5-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-5 - Fair Employment Practices › Section 28-5-2. - Legislative findings.

§ 28-5-2. Legislative findings.
The practice or policy of discrimination against individuals because of their race or color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, or country of ancestral origin is a matter of state concern. Such discrimination foments domestic strife and unrest; threatens the rights and privileges of the inhabitants of the state; and undermines the foundations of a free democratic state. The denial of equal employment opportunities because of such discrimination and the consequent failure to utilize the productive capacities of individuals to their fullest extent deprive large segments of the population of the state of earnings necessary to maintain decent standards of living, necessitates their resort to public relief, and intensifies group conflicts, thereby resulting in grave injury to the public safety, health, and welfare.
History of Section.
P.L. 1949, ch. 2181, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-5-2; P.L. 1973, ch. 132, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 198, § 15; P.L. 1995, ch. 32, § 4; P.L. 1997, ch. 150, § 4; P.L. 2001, ch. 340, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-5 - Fair Employment Practices › Section 28-5-3. - Declaration of policy.

§ 28-5-3. Declaration of policy.
It is declared to be the public policy of this state to foster the employment of all individuals in this state in accordance with their fullest capacities, regardless of their race or color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, or country of ancestral origin, and to safeguard their right to obtain and hold employment without such discrimination.
History of Section.
P.L. 1949, ch. 2181, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-5-3; P.L. 1973, ch. 132, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 198, § 15; P.L. 1995, ch. 32, § 14; P.L. 1997, ch. 150, § 4; P.L. 2001, ch. 340, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-5 - Fair Employment Practices › Section 28-5-4. - Exercise of police power.

§ 28-5-4. Exercise of police power.
This chapter shall be deemed an exercise of the police power of the state for the protection of the public welfare, prosperity, health, and peace of the people of the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1949, ch. 2181, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-5-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-5 - Fair Employment Practices › Section 28-5-5. - Right to equal employment opportunities.

§ 28-5-5. Right to equal employment opportunities.
The right of all individuals in this state to equal employment opportunities, regardless of race or color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, or country of ancestral origin, is recognized as and declared to be a civil right.
History of Section.
P.L. 1949, ch. 2181, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 28-5-5; P.L. 1973, ch. 132, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 198, § 15; P.L. 1995, ch. 32, § 4; P.L. 1997, ch. 150, § 4; P.L. 2001, ch. 340, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-5 - Fair Employment Practices › Section 28-5-7.1. - Exemption of firefighter and law enforcement officer.

§ 28-5-7.1. Exemption of firefighter and law enforcement officer.
It shall not be unlawful for an employer as defined in § 28-5-6(9)(i) or any agency or instrumentality of the state or a political subdivision of the state to fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any person because of the person’s age if the action is taken with respect to the employment of a person as a firefighter or as a law enforcement officer and the person has attained the age of hiring or retirement in effect under any state statute, city or town ordinance, any collective bargaining agreement, or pension plan in effect on March 3, 1983. An employee whose retirement goes into effect shall be allowed to continue his or her employment until the end of the calendar year.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 183 § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-5 - Fair Employment Practices › Section 28-5-7.2. - Proof of unlawful employment practices in disparate impact cases.

§ 28-5-7.2. Proof of unlawful employment practices in disparate impact cases.
(a)
An unlawful employment practice prohibited by § 28-5-7 may be established by proof of disparate impact. An unlawful employment practice by proof of disparate impact is established when:
(1)
A complainant demonstrates that an employment practice results in a disparate impact on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, or country of ancestral origin, and the respondent fails to demonstrate that the practice is required by business necessity; or
(2)
A complainant demonstrates that a group of employment practices results in disparate impact on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, or country of ancestral origin, and the respondent fails to demonstrate that the practices are required by business necessity; provided that:
(i)
If a complainant demonstrates that a group of employment practices results in a disparate impact, the complainant shall not be required to demonstrate which specific practice or practices within the group results in the disparate impact; and
(ii)
If the respondent demonstrates that a specific employment practice within that group of employment practices does not contribute to the disparate impact, the respondent shall not be required to demonstrate that the practice is required by business necessity.
(b)
A demonstration that an employment practice is required by business necessity may be used as a defense only against a claim under this section.
(c)
As used in this section:
(1)
“Complainant” and “respondent” mean those individuals or entities defined as such in § 28-5-17;
(2)
“Demonstrates” means meets the burdens of production and persuasion;
(3)
“Group of employment practices” means a combination of employment practices or an overall employment process; and
(4)
“Required by business necessity” means essential to effective job performance.
(d)
Nothing contained in this section shall be construed as limiting the methods of proof of unlawful employment practices under § 28-5-7 to the methods set in this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 135, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 343, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 32, § 4; P.L. 1997, ch. 150, § 4; P.L. 2001, ch. 340, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-5 - Fair Employment Practices › Section 28-5-7.3. - Discriminatory practice need not be sole motivating factor.

§ 28-5-7.3. Discriminatory practice need not be sole motivating factor.
An unlawful employment practice may be established in an action or proceeding under this chapter when the complainant demonstrates that race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, or country of ancestral origin was a motivating factor for any employment practice, even though the practice was also motivated by other factors. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed as requiring direct evidence of unlawful intent or as limiting the methods of proof of unlawful employment practices under § 28-5-7.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 135, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 343, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 447, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 32, § 4; P.L. 1997, ch. 150, § 4; P.L. 2001, ch. 340, § 3.