reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-12 - Minimum Wages › Section 28-12-6. - Occupational administrative regulations.

§ 28-12-6. Occupational administrative regulations.
(a)
For any occupation for which no wage order issued pursuant to chapter 289 of the general laws of 1938, as amended, was in effect on May 2, 1956, the director of labor and training, after consultation with an advisory board appointed by him or her and composed of one representative each of the employer and employees in the affected occupation and of one disinterested person representing the public, shall make any administrative regulations that he or she deems appropriate to carry out the purposes of this chapter or are necessary to prevent the circumvention or evasion of these purposes, and to safeguard the minimum wage rates established by this chapter.
(b)
The regulations may include, but are not limited to, regulations defining and delimiting the terms used in this chapter; outside salespersons or traveling salespersons; learners and apprentices, their number, proportion, and length of service. The regulations may also include provisions for special or extra pay for special, overtime, or extra work; no deductions shall be permitted for incentive commissions or bonuses earned by sales personnel.
(c)
Regulations issued by the director of labor and training pursuant to this section are effective only after publication and public hearing by the director of labor and training at which hearing any person may be heard.
(d)
Neither the director of labor and training, nor the commissioner of minimum wage, nor any advisory board set up under this chapter shall have any right, power, or authority to increase or decrease the minimum fair wage rates designated in § 28-12-3, nor to permit or authorize deductions to be made from the minimum fair wage rates, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3745, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 28-12-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-12 - Minimum Wages › Section 28-12-7. - Revision of regulations.

§ 28-12-7. Revision of regulations.
(a)
The director of labor and training may, from time to time, propose modifications of or additions to any administrative regulations issued pursuant to § 28-12-6, or existing on May 2, 1956, in any mandatory wage order issued under the provisions of chapter 289 of the general laws of 1938, as amended.
(b)
Notice shall be given of a public hearing to be held by the director of labor and training not less than thirty (30) days after the publication at which all persons in favor of or opposed to the modifications or additions may be heard.
(c)
After the hearing, the director of labor and training may issue an order putting into effect the modifications of or additions to the administrative regulations as he or she deems appropriate; provided, that neither the director of labor and training, nor the commissioner of minimum wage, nor any advisory board set up under this chapter shall have any right, power, or authority to increase or decrease the minimum fair wage rates designated in § 28-12-3, nor to permit or authorize deductions to be made from the minimum fair wage rates, except as provided in this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3745, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 28-12-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-12 - Minimum Wages › Section 28-12-8. - Judicial review of regulations.

§ 28-12-8. Judicial review of regulations.
(a)
Any interested person in any occupation for which any wage order or any administrative regulation has been issued under the provisions of this chapter who may be aggrieved by any order or regulation may obtain the review of the order or regulation in the superior court for Providence and Bristol counties by filing in the court within thirty (30) days after the date of publication of the order or regulation a written petition praying that the order or regulation be modified or set aside. A copy of the petition shall be served upon the director of labor and training. The findings of facts shall be conclusive upon the court. The court shall determine whether the order or regulation is in accordance with law.
(b)
Hearings in the superior court on all appeals taken under the provisions of this chapter shall take precedence over all matters, except matters of the same character. The jurisdiction of the court shall be exclusive and its judgment and decree shall be final except that the judgment and decree shall be subject to review by the supreme court.
(c)
The commencement of proceedings under subsection (a) of this section shall not operate as a stay of a wage order or of an administrative regulation issued under the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3745, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 28-12-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-12 - Minimum Wages › Section 28-12-9. - [Repealed.]

§ 28-12-9. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3745, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 28-12-9; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 62; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 62; repealed by P.L. 2022, ch. 73, § 1, effective June 15, 2022; repealed by P.L. 2022, ch. 74, § 1, effective June 15, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-12 - Minimum Wages › Section 28-12-10. - Learners and apprentices.

§ 28-12-10. Learners and apprentices.
Notwithstanding any order or regulation previously issued under chapter 289 of the general laws of 1938, as amended, the director of labor and training may provide by regulation, after a public hearing at which any person may be heard, for the employment in the occupation at the wages lower than the wage rates applicable under this chapter for learners and apprentices as the director of labor and training finds appropriate to prevent curtailment of opportunities for employment, and to safeguard the wage rates applicable under this chapter. No employee shall be employed at wages fixed pursuant to this section except under special license issued under applicable regulation of the director of labor and training. After a learner or apprentice has been employed for ninety (90) days, he or she shall be paid the rate provided in § 28-12-3, notwithstanding any order or administrative regulation previously issued under chapter 289 of the general laws of 1938.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3745, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 28-12-10; R.P.L. 1957, ch. 104, § 3; P.L. 1962, ch. 105, § 5; P.L. 1967, ch. 220, § 3; P.L. 1995, ch. 323, § 7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-12 - Minimum Wages › Section 28-12-11. - Posting of law and orders.

§ 28-12-11. Posting of law and orders.
Every employer subject to any provision of this chapter or of any regulations or orders issued under this chapter shall keep a summary of this chapter, approved by the director of labor and training, and copies of any applicable wage orders and regulations issued under this chapter, posted in a conspicuous and accessible place in or about the premises where any person subject to them is employed. Employers shall be furnished copies of summaries, orders, and regulations by the state on request without charge.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3745, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 28-12-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-12 - Minimum Wages › Section 28-12-12. - Records of employers.

§ 28-12-12. Records of employers.
Every employer subject to any provision of this chapter, or of any regulation or order issued under this chapter, shall make and keep for a period of not less than three (3) years in or about the premises where any employee is employed a record of the name, address, and occupation of each of his or her employees, the rate of pay, and the amount paid each pay period to each employee, the hours worked each day and each workweek by the employee, and any other information that the director of labor and training shall prescribe by regulation as necessary or appropriate for the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter or the regulations or orders issued under this chapter. The records shall be open for inspection or transcription by the director of labor and training or his or her authorized representative at any reasonable time. Every employer shall furnish to the director of labor and training or to his or her authorized representative on demand a sworn statement of the records and information upon forms prescribed or approved by the director of labor and training.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3745, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 28-12-12; P.L. 1992, ch. 44, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-12 - Minimum Wages › Section 28-12-13. - Responsibility for enforcement.

§ 28-12-13. Responsibility for enforcement.
The provisions of this chapter shall be carried out by the division of labor standards and it shall be the duty of the division of labor standards to administer the provisions of this chapter, to administer the labor laws of this state concerning women and children, and in general to be responsible for the welfare of women and children employed in industry in this state. Subject to the rules of civil service, the director of labor and training shall appoint a qualified person to act as chief of the division of labor standards.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3745, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 28-12-13; P.L. 1973, ch. 250, § 2; P.L. 1986, ch. 198, § 17.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-12 - Minimum Wages › Section 28-12-14. - Enforcement powers.

§ 28-12-14. Enforcement powers.
The director or the commissioner or any authorized representative of either shall have the authority to:
(1)
Investigate and ascertain the wages of persons employed in any occupation in this state;
(2)
Enter and inspect the places of business or employment of any employer of employees in any occupation in the state for the purpose of examining and inspecting any or all books, registers, payrolls, and other records of any employer that in any way relate to or have a bearing on the question of wages, hours, and other conditions of employment of any employees, and may question employees for the purpose of ascertaining whether the provisions of this chapter and the orders and regulations issued under this chapter have been and are being complied with;
(3)
Require from any employer of employees in any occupation in this state full and correct statements, in writing, including sworn statements with respect to wages, hours, names, addresses, and any other information pertaining to the employer’s employees and their employment that the director or the commissioner or their authorized representative deems necessary or appropriate;
(4)
Administer rules and require by subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of all books, records, and other evidence relative to any matter under investigation. The subpoena shall be signed and issued by the director or the commissioner and shall be served and have the same effect as if issued out of the superior court;
(5)
Cause the depositions of witnesses residing within or outside of the state to be taken in the manner prescribed for like depositions in civil actions in the superior court;
(6)
Carry out the provisions of this chapter; and
(7)
Bring all actions, suits, complaints, and prosecutions for the violation of any of the provisions of this chapter. Complaints shall be signed and issued by the director or the commissioner or any authorized representative of either.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3745, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 28-12-14; P.L. 1986, ch. 198, § 17.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-12 - Minimum Wages › Section 28-12-15. - Hindering enforcement — Failure to carry out administrative requirements.

§ 28-12-15. Hindering enforcement — Failure to carry out administrative requirements.
Any employer who or that: (1) Hinders or delays the director of labor and training, or his or her authorized representative, in the performance of his or her duties in the enforcement of this chapter; (2) Refuses to admit the director of labor and training, or his or her authorized representative, to any place of employment; (3) Fails to make, keep, and preserve any records as required under the provisions of this chapter; (4) Falsifies any record; (5) Refuses to make any record accessible to the director of labor and training, or his or her authorized representative, upon demand; (6) Refuses to furnish a sworn statement of the record or any other information required for the proper enforcement of this chapter to the director of labor and training, or his or her authorized representative, upon demand; or (7) Fails to post a summary of this chapter or a copy of any applicable regulation or order as required by § 28-12-11, shall be deemed in violation of this chapter and shall, upon conviction, be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500). Each day of violation shall constitute a separate offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3745, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 28-12-15; P.L. 2000, ch. 109, § 54.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-12 - Minimum Wages › Section 28-12-16. - Discrimination against employees invoking provisions.

§ 28-12-16. Discrimination against employees invoking provisions.
Any employer who or that discharges or in any other manner discriminates against any employee because the employee has made any complaint to his or her employer, to the director of labor and training, or to his or her authorized representative because: (1) He or she has not been paid wages in accordance with the provisions of this chapter; (2) The employee has caused to be instituted or is about to cause to be instituted any proceeding under or related to this chapter; (3) The employee has testified or is about to testify in any such proceeding; or (4) The employee has served, or is about to serve, on a wage board, shall be deemed in violation of this chapter, and shall, upon conviction, be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500).
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3745, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 28-12-16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-12 - Minimum Wages › Section 28-12-17. - Payment of substandard wages.

§ 28-12-17. Payment of substandard wages.
Any employer who or that pays or agrees to pay wages at a rate less than the rate applicable under this chapter shall be deemed in violation of this chapter and shall, upon conviction, be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) or imprisoned for not less than ten (10) days nor more than ninety (90) days, or both, and each week for any portion of which the employer failed to pay any employee less than the rate applicable under this chapter shall constitute a separate offense as to each employee.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3745, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 28-12-17.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-12 - Minimum Wages › Section 28-12-18. - Penalty for other violations.

§ 28-12-18. Penalty for other violations.
Any employer who or that otherwise violates any provision of this chapter or of any regulation or order issued under this chapter shall be deemed in violation of this chapter and shall upon conviction be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500). Each day of violation shall constitute a separate offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3745, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 28-12-18.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-12 - Minimum Wages › Section 28-12-19. - Actions for relief.

§ 28-12-19. Actions for relief.
Any person aggrieved by a violation of this chapter shall be entitled to relief as provided in chapter 14 of this title (“Payment of Wages”).
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3745, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 28-12-19; P.L. 2012, ch. 306, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 344, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-12 - Minimum Wages › Section 28-12-20. - Assignment of wage claim and action by department.

§ 28-12-20. Assignment of wage claim and action by department.
At the written request of an employee paid less than the wage to which he or she is entitled under or by virtue of this chapter, the director of labor and training or the commissioner of minimum wage may take an assignment of the employee’s wage claim in trust for the assigning employee and may bring any legal action necessary to collect the claim, and the employer shall be required to pay the costs and any reasonable attorney’s fees that may be allowed by the court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3745, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 28-12-20.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-12 - Minimum Wages › Section 28-12-21. - More favorable laws preserved.

§ 28-12-21. More favorable laws preserved.
Any standards relating to minimum wages, maximum hours, overtime compensation, or other working conditions in effect under any other law of this state that are more favorable to employees than those applicable to those employees under this chapter or the regulations and orders issued under this chapter, shall not be deemed to be amended, rescinded, or otherwise affected by this chapter but shall continue in full force and effect and may be enforced as provided by law unless and until they are specifically superseded by standards more favorable to those employees by operation or in accordance with regulations or orders issued under this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3745, § 14; G.L. 1956, § 28-12-21; P.L. 2000, ch. 109, § 31.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-12 - Minimum Wages › Section 28-12-22. - Collective bargaining rights preserved.

§ 28-12-22. Collective bargaining rights preserved.
Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to interfere with, impede, or in any way diminish the right of employees to bargain collectively with their employers through representatives of their own choosing in order to establish wages or other conditions of work in excess of the applicable minimum under the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3745, § 15; G.L. 1956, § 28-12-22.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-12 - Minimum Wages › Section 28-12-23. - Annual appropriation.

§ 28-12-23. Annual appropriation.
The general assembly shall annually appropriate any sum that it deems necessary to provide for an appropriate staff for office and other necessary expenses for the administration and enforcement of this chapter; 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 from time to time be required, upon receipt by him or her of proper vouchers, approved by the chief of the division of labor standards and the director of labor and training.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3745, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 28-12-23.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-12 - Minimum Wages › Section 28-12-24. - Severability.

§ 28-12-24. Severability.
If any provision of this chapter, or its application to any person or circumstances, is held invalid, the remainder of the chapter and its application to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected by the invalidity.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3745, § 17; G.L. 1956, § 28-12-24.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-12 - Minimum Wages › Section 28-12-25. - Uniformity.

§ 28-12-25. Uniformity.
No municipality shall establish, mandate, or otherwise require an employer to pay a minimum wage to its employees, other than the state or federal mandated minimum wage, or to apply a state or federal minimum wage law to wages statutorily exempt from a state or federal minimum wage requirement.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 145, art. 11, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-13 - Measurement of Work in Textile Factories › Section 28-13-1. - Posting of job rates — Pick clocks.

§ 28-13-1. Posting of job rates — Pick clocks.
(a)
The occupier or manager of every textile factory shall post in every room where any employees work by the job, in legible writing or printing, and in sufficient numbers to be easily accessible to those employees, specifications of the character of each kind of work to be done by them and the rate of compensation.
(b)(1)
The specifications in the case of weaving rooms shall state the intended and maximum length of a cut or piece, the count per inch of thread, and the number of picks per inch, width of loom, width of cloth woven in the loom, and the price per cut or piece, or per pound; or, if payment is made per pick or per yard, the price per pick or per yard.
(2)
Each warp shall bear a designating ticket or mark of identification. In mills operating looms on a piece rate basis, pick clocks shall be placed on each loom in operation, and each weaver shall be paid according to the number of picks registered on the clock.
(c)
This chapter shall not apply to so called gang looms or to the weaving of carpets or elastic webbing.
(d)
Violation of any provision of this chapter shall for the first offense be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100), for the second offense by a fine of not more than two hundred dollars ($200), and for a subsequent offense by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500) or by imprisonment for not more than one month, or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 1936, ch. 2291, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 295, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-13-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-14 - Payment of Wages › Section 28-14-1. - Definitions. [Effective until January 1, 2024.]

§ 28-14-1. Definitions. [Effective until January 1, 2024.]
Whenever used in this chapter:
(1)
“Director” means the director of the department of labor and training or his or her duly authorized representative.
(2)
“Employee” means any person suffered or permitted to work by an employer, except that independent contractors or subcontractors shall not be considered employees.
(3)
“Employer” means any individual, firm, partnership, association, joint stock company, trust, corporation, receiver, or other like officer appointed by a court of this state, and any agent or officer of any of the previously mentioned classes, employing any person in this state.
(4)
“Wages” means all amounts at which the labor or service rendered is recompensed, whether the amount is fixed or ascertained on a time, task, piece, commission basis, or other method of calculating the amount.
History of Section.
P.L. 1941, ch. 1069, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-14-1; P.L. 1986, ch. 218, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 138, art. 53, § 1.
§ 28-14-1. Definitions. [Effective January 1, 2024.]
Whenever used in this chapter, except where the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(1)
“Construction industry” means the business of constructing, reconstructing, altering, maintaining, moving, rehabilitating, repairing, renovating, or demolition of any building, structure, or improvement to the excavation of or other development or improvement to land, highways, or other real property.
(2)
“Department” means the department of labor and training.
(3)
“Director” means the director of the department of labor and training or the director’s duly authorized representative.
(4)
“Employee” means any person suffered or permitted to work by an employer, except that independent contractors or subcontractors shall not be considered employees.
(5)
“Employer” means any individual, firm, partnership, association, joint stock company, trust, corporation, receiver, or other like officer appointed by a court of this state, and any agent or officer of any of the previously mentioned classes, employing any person in this state.
(6)
“Wages” means all amounts at which the labor or service rendered is recompensed, whether the amount is fixed or ascertained on a time, task, piece, commission basis, or other method of calculating the amount.
History of Section.
P.L. 1941, ch. 1069, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-14-1; P.L. 1986, ch. 218, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 138, art. 53, § 1; P.L. 2023, ch. 244, § 1, effective January 1, 2024; P.L. 2023, ch. 245, § 1, effective January 1, 2024.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-14 - Payment of Wages › Section 28-14-2. - Payment of wages — Form of payment — Establishment of regular paydays.

§ 28-14-2. Payment of wages — Form of payment — Establishment of regular paydays.
Every employer shall establish a regular payday on which wages shall be paid in full in lawful money of the United States, or checks on banks convertible into cash on demand at full face value. Each employee must be notified in writing, or by posted notice that may readily be seen by all employees, of a change in the scheduled payday at least three (3) paydays in advance of a scheduled change. Each scheduled payday shall fall within nine (9) days of the end of the payroll period for which wages are computed unless prevented by inevitable casualty; provided, that if the ninth (9th) day is a holiday, payment upon the next business day shall be deemed a compliance with the terms of this section; and provided, further, that if at any time of payment any employee is absent from his or her place of labor, he or she shall be entitled to payment on demand at any time thereafter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 223, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-14 - Payment of Wages › Section 28-14-2.1. - Statement of earnings.

§ 28-14-2.1. Statement of earnings.
(a)
On every regular payday, every employer shall furnish to any employee the following:
(1)
A statement of the hours worked by that employee during the applicable pay period; provided, that the statement need not be furnished to an employee described in § 28-12-4.3;
(2)
A record of all deductions made from that employee’s gross earnings during the pay period together with an explanation of the basis or reason for the deductions; and
(3)
For employers engaged only in the commercial construction industry, a record of the employee’s hourly regular rate of pay. As used in this subsection, “commercial construction industry” includes a business that engages in the doing of work or the furnishing of materials, or both, in the building, erection, alteration, or preparation of an improvement on commercial real property.
(b)
All statements and records required to be furnished to an employee by this section may be furnished as an electronic record. The employer shall furnish to an employee a printed or handwritten record, in lieu of an electronic record, at no cost to the employee, when a written authorization from such employee is provided to the employer.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 223, § 2; P.L. 1986, ch. 198, § 18; P.L. 1993, ch. 376, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 84, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 96, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-14 - Payment of Wages › Section 28-14-2.2. - Frequency of payment.

§ 28-14-2.2. Frequency of payment.
(a)
Except as provided in §§ 28-14-4, 28-14-5 and subsections (b) and (c) of this section, every employee other than employees of the state and its political subdivisions and of religious, literary, or charitable corporations shall be paid weekly all due wages from his or her employer, except those employees whose compensation is fixed at a biweekly, semi-monthly, monthly, or yearly rate.
(b)
The director may, upon written petition showing good and sufficient reason, permit employers in the state of Rhode Island whose average payroll exceeds two hundred percent (200%) of the state minimum wage as defined in § 28-12-3 to pay wages less frequently than weekly provided:
(1)
The employer makes payment of wages regularly on a predesignated date no less than twice per month;
(2)
The employer provides proof of a surety bond or other sufficient demonstration of security in the amount of the highest biweekly payroll exposure in the preceding year for the employees subject to the petition; and
(3)
If the involved employees are subject to collective bargaining, the employer provides the written consent of the collective bargaining representative for all involved employees.
(c)
The director may, upon written petition showing good and sufficient reason, permit employers in the state of Rhode Island whose average payroll is less than two hundred percent (200%) of the state minimum wage as defined in § 28-12-3 to pay wages and salaries of their employees less frequently than weekly provided:
(1)
The employer has supplied the department with the following information:
(i)
The method through which wages shall be paid;
(ii)
The requested frequency of payment;
(iii)
The employer’s designated payday(s);
(iv)
The classification of the employees involved;
(v)
The salary range of the employees involved; and
(vi)
The employer’s federal identification number;
(2)
The employer makes payment of wages regularly on a predesignated date no less than twice per month;
(3)
The employer has no history of wage and hour violations;
(4)
The employer provides proof of a surety bond or other sufficient demonstration of security in the amount of the highest biweekly payroll exposure in the preceding year for the employees subject to the petition; and
(5)
If the involved employees are subject to collective bargaining, the employer provides the written consent of the collective bargaining representative for all involved employees.
(d)
If the director approves a written petition under subsection (b) or (c), the permission is valid for an indefinite period of time, provided that:
(1)
Payroll is regularly satisfied on the designated payday;
(2)
The information provided by the employer to substantiate its request does not change; and
(3)
The employer remains in compliance with all other state labor laws.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 223, § 2; P.L. 2011, ch. 340, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 372, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 272, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 282, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 269, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 349, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-14 - Payment of Wages › Section 28-14-3. - Deduction and payment of union dues.

§ 28-14-3. Deduction and payment of union dues.
Whenever a majority of the members of the duly certified collective bargaining unit in any place of employment requests, in writing, from their employer that their union dues be deducted from their salary, the dues shall be deducted and remitted together with a list of the members whose dues have been deducted and the amount so deducted to the treasurer of the labor union designated by the employee in the request. The deductions shall be taken out according to appropriate payroll periods.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3559, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 28-14-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-14 - Payment of Wages › Section 28-14-3.1. - Payroll deductions.

§ 28-14-3.1. Payroll deductions.
(a)
Subject to any provisions of the general laws or the public laws to the contrary, whenever any employer provides for a payroll deduction for any purpose, the employer shall transfer those funds deducted to the appropriate person, agency, partnership, or corporation entitled to the money deducted, within twenty-one (21) days following the last day of the month in which the deduction is made, except if the person, agency, partnership, or corporation entitled to money deducted permits otherwise in writing.
(b)
Any employer who violates the provisions of this section shall be liable to an employee in a civil action brought by the employee for any loss sustained by the employee as a result of a violation.
(c)
In addition to the penalty provided by subsection (b) of this section, any employer who fails intentionally, or who fails after written notification by the employee or by the collective bargaining representative of the employee, to transfer funds as required by subsection (a) of this section within thirty (30) days following the last day of the month in which the deduction is made, shall be liable for an additional penalty in the amount of fifty dollars ($50.00) for each day beyond the thirty-day (30) period during which he or she fails to transfer the funds. This additional penalty shall be payable to the employee from whose wages the funds were deducted.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 240, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 146, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-14 - Payment of Wages › Section 28-14-3.2. - Deductions not authorized.

§ 28-14-3.2. Deductions not authorized.
(a)
No employer shall deduct or withhold from the payment of wages owed to an employee for the performance of work or other reason set forth in this chapter, any monies not authorized by federal or state law or by court order, without first getting written or electronic approval from the employee. However, a deduction shall never be authorized by an employee or deducted by an employer from an employee’s wage for:
(1)
Spoilage or breakage;
(2)
Shortages or losses; or
(3)
Fines or penalties for tardiness, misconduct, or quitting by an employee without notice.
(b)
In addition to any other penalty or enforcement provision set forth in this chapter, any employer violating the provisions of this section shall be subject to treble damages, payable to the employee, of the amount not authorized to be deducted or withheld.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 501, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 119, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 313, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-14 - Payment of Wages › Section 28-14-4. - Payment on separation by employer.

§ 28-14-4. Payment on separation by employer.
(a)
Whenever an employee separates or is separated from the payroll of an employer, the unpaid wages or compensation of the employee shall become due on the next regular payday and payable at the usual place of payment.
(b)
Whenever an employee separates or is separated from the payroll of an employer after completing at least one year of service, any vacation pay accrued or awarded by collective bargaining, written or verbal company policy, or any other written or verbal agreement between the employer and employee shall become wages and payable in full or on a prorated basis with all other due wages on the next regular payday for the employee.
(c)
Whenever an employer separates an employee from the payroll as a result of the employer liquidating the business, merging the business, disposing the business, or removing the business out of state, all wages become immediately due and payable within twenty-four (24) hours of the time of separation at the usual place of payment. Additionally, if the employee has completed at least one year of service with the employer, holiday pay, vacation pay in full or on a prorated basis, and insurance benefits due the employee under a collective bargaining agreement, company policy, or other agreement between the employer and employee shall be considered as unpaid wages due and payable within twenty-four (24) hours of the time of separation at the usual place of payment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1941, ch. 1669, § 2; P.L. 1942, ch. 1237, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-14-4; P.L. 1959, ch. 139, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 306, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 84, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-14 - Payment of Wages › Section 28-14-5. - Payment in event of industrial dispute.

§ 28-14-5. Payment in event of industrial dispute.
In the event of the suspension of work as the result of an industrial dispute, the wages and compensation earned and unpaid at the time of the suspension, without abatement or reduction, shall become due and payable at the next regular payday.
History of Section.
P.L. 1941, ch. 1069, § 2; P.L. 1942, ch. 1237, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-14-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-14 - Payment of Wages › Section 28-14-6. - Payment of wages of deceased employees.

§ 28-14-6. Payment of wages of deceased employees.
(a)
Any employer, including the state or a municipal corporation, may at any time after thirty (30) days from the death of an employee pay all wages or personal earnings due to the deceased employee, in order of preference, to: (1) The surviving husband or wife; (2) Children eighteen (18) years of age or older in equal shares; (3) Father and mother, or the survivor; (4) Sisters and brothers in equal shares of the deceased employee; or (5) The person who has paid the funeral bill of the deceased employee; provided the employer has no actual notice of the issuance of any letters testamentary or letters of administration upon the estate of the deceased employee, or of the pendency of any petition for them, provided the wages or personal earnings do not exceed the sum of one hundred fifty dollars ($150).
(b)
The payment of wages or personal earnings as provided in subsection (a) shall be a full discharge and release to the employer from any claim for those wages or personal earnings by the estate of the deceased employee or any other person.
(c)
As a condition of payment, the employer may require satisfactory proof by affidavit or otherwise as to the relationship of the parties and may also require proper receipts or releases for the payment or payments.
History of Section.
P.L. 1941, ch. 1069, § 2A; P.L. 1947, ch. 1945, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-14-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-14 - Payment of Wages › Section 28-14-6.1. - Priority of wages due from employer in receivership or insolvency proceedings.

§ 28-14-6.1. Priority of wages due from employer in receivership or insolvency proceedings.
In the event of any distribution of an employer’s assets pursuant to an order of any court under the laws of this state, including receivership, assignment for benefit of creditors, adjudicated insolvency, composition, or similar proceeding, the wages or compensation earned and unpaid not exceeding three hundred dollars ($300) to each wage earner earned within three (3) months of the commencement of the proceeding shall have the same priority in advance of payment of dividends to creditors as is given to wages under the Bankruptcy Act, 11 U.S.C. § 101 et seq. That amount shall be paid as soon as sufficient sums are available, to employees entitled to the same according to the records of the employer; the employees being relieved of the necessity of filing claims with the receiver, assignee, or trustee unless the amount payable as shown on the books of the employer is not acceptable to any employee, in which case, the employee shall file his or her claim in the same manner as other creditors of the employer.
History of Section.
G.L., § 28-14-6.1; P.L. 1960, ch. 120, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-14 - Payment of Wages › Section 28-14-7. - [Repealed.]

§ 28-14-7. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
P.L. 1941, ch. 1069, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 28-14-7; Repealed by P.L. 1977, ch. 223, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-14 - Payment of Wages › Section 28-14-8. - Payment of undisputed amounts in wage disputes.

§ 28-14-8. Payment of undisputed amounts in wage disputes.
In case of a dispute over wages, the employer shall give written notice to the employee of the amount of wages that he or she concedes to be due and shall pay that amount without condition within the time set by this chapter; provided, that acceptance by the employee of this payment shall not constitute a release as to the balance of his or her claim.
History of Section.
P.L. 1941, ch. 1069, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 28-14-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-14 - Payment of Wages › Section 28-14-9. - Effect of private agreements — Payment of bonuses.

§ 28-14-9. Effect of private agreements — Payment of bonuses.
Nothing contained in this chapter shall in any way limit or prohibit the payment of wages or compensation at more frequent intervals, or in greater amounts or in full when or before due, but no provision of this chapter can in any way be contravened or set aside by a private agreement; provided, that no agreement contained in a written contract relating to the payment of any bonus in addition to the payment of wages shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1941, ch. 1069, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 28-14-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-14 - Payment of Wages › Section 28-14-10. - Wage deductions unaffected.

§ 28-14-10. Wage deductions unaffected.
(a)
None of the sections of this chapter shall be applicable to, control, or prohibit the deduction from wages of an employee by an employer in accordance with the terms of a collective bargaining agent of a majority of the employees in a bargaining unit of employees in which the employee is employed; provided, that the amount deducted from the wages of the employee is to be: (1) Used for the purpose of defraying the costs of legal services, counsel fees, or contribution to a prepaid legal services plan for those employees, their families, and their dependents; or (2) Paid to pension, welfare, vacation, or annuity plans, or an insurance plan for accident, health, disability, or life coverage or similar plans, complete provisions for which are contained in a collective bargaining agreement or a supplemental agreement as provided in them between the employer and the authorized bargaining agent of the employees and those plans are for the benefit of employees, their dependents, and beneficiaries in the bargaining unit, including full-time employees of the labor organization, provided it shall make the same payment for its employees to that plan or plans.
(b)
None of the sections of this chapter shall be applicable to, control, or prohibit the deduction from wages of an employee by an employer in accordance with a written request made by the individual employee of:
(1)
Trade union or craft dues or other obligations imposed by a collective bargaining contract;
(2)
Subscriptions to a nonprofit hospital service corporation or nonprofit medical and/or surgical service corporation;
(3)
Contributions to or for the use of a religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational corporation, trust, community chest fund, or foundation;
(4)
Payments for the purpose of purchasing obligations of the United States or stock of a corporation pursuant to an employee stock purchase plan;
(5)
Contributions to a pension plan in which the employee is a participant not required by a collective bargaining agreement entered into between the authorized collective bargaining representative of an employee and his or her employer;
(6)
Contributions to or for insurance or under an insurance plan for accident, health, or life coverage not required by a collective bargaining agreement entered into between the authorized collective bargaining representative of an employee and his or her employer;
(7)
Amounts to be credited to a share, deposit, or loan account in any credit union;
(8)
Contributions, subscriptions, or payments of a similar nature not connected with past or present indebtedness; or
(9)
Payments for participation in a vanpool transportation system where employee participation in the program is not a condition of employment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1941, ch. 1069, § 5A; P.L. 1950, ch. 2630, § 1; P.L. 1954, ch. 3273, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-14-10; P.L. 1972, ch. 206, § 1; P.L. 1974, ch. 189, § 1; P.L. 1980, ch. 129, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-14 - Payment of Wages › Section 28-14-10.1. - Payment of wages directly to employee’s account in financial institution.

§ 28-14-10.1. Payment of wages directly to employee’s account in financial institution.
(a)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, upon written or electronic request, an employee of a state agency or any other employer may authorize a disbursing officer to make payment by sending to a financial organization designated by the employee a check or credit in the amount of net pay due to the employee drawn in favor of the organization and for credit to the checking account or payroll card of the employee or for deposit in the savings account of the employee or for the purchase of shares for the employee.
(b)
If more than one employee to whom a payment is to be made designates the same financial organization, the disbursing officer shall make the payment by sending to the organization a check or credit that is drawn in favor of the organization for the total amount designated by those employees and by specifying the amount to be credited to the account of each of those employees.
(c)
“State agency” means any department, agency, board, office, or commission in state government.
(d)
“Financial organization” means any bank, savings bank, savings and loan association or similar institution, or federal or state chartered credit union.
(e)
“Payroll card account” means an account that is directly or indirectly established through an employer to which transfers of the employee’s wages, salary, or other compensation are made, and that carries the consumer protections that apply to payroll card accounts under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1693 et seq., and Regulation E, 12 C.F.R. Part 1005, as may be amended.
(f)
If an employer pays wages to an employee by credit to a payroll account:
(1)
Except as provided in subsection (f)(2) of this section, the employee must be able to make at least one withdrawal from the payroll card account in each pay period without charge for any amount up to and including the full amount of the employee’s net wages for the pay period.
(2)
If the employee’s wages are paid more frequently than weekly, the employee must be able to make at least one withdrawal from the payroll card account each week without charge for any amount up to and including the full amount of the employee’s net wages for that week.
(3)
Employees who receive wages by credit to a payroll card account must be provided with a means of checking their payroll card account balances, either through an automated telephone system or online, through the use of the internet, without cost, irrespective of the number of inquiries made.
(g)
The provisions of this section shall be with the consent of the employer.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 267, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 246, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 267, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-14 - Payment of Wages › Section 28-14-10.2. - Deduction of premium for prepaid legal services.

§ 28-14-10.2. Deduction of premium for prepaid legal services.
(a)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, upon the written authorization of an employee of any state agency, the disbursing officer shall deduct from the employee’s wages and forward to the designated prepaid legal services plan that employee’s contributions, subscriptions, or premium payments under the plan.
(b)
All plans receiving funds under this section shall reimburse the state for the administrative costs of making the deductions.
(c)
“State agency” means any department, agency, board, office, or commission in state government.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 336, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-14 - Payment of Wages › Section 28-14-11. - Wages held as garnishee.

§ 28-14-11. Wages held as garnishee.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require any employer to pay to an employee any wages or money which the employer lawfully holds as garnishee under a writ of attachment issued by any court of this state in which the employer is named as garnishee, if the garnishee makes reports of that amount held by him or her as the garnishee to the court to which the writ is returnable.
History of Section.
P.L. 1941, ch. 1069, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 28-14-11.