Update Applicable to:
All employers with employees with mental and/or physical disabilities.
What happened?
On June 7, 2022, the Rhode Island General Assembly voted to pass House Bill 7511 (HB 7511) to repeal Section 28-12-9 of the R.I. General Laws that allows employers to pay workers with disabilities below the minimum wage.
What are the details?
Effective immediately upon signage from Governor McKee, employers are prohibited from paying employees with mental and/or physical disabilities a sub-minimum wage below the state’s minimum wage.
The bill has been sent to the governor and is currently pending signage.
For more information, please see the links below:
Section 28-12-9 of the R.I General Laws
What do employers need to do?
Employers should review the links provided above and ensure that their employees with mental and/or physical disabilities are paid the same wage as other employees so that they are in compliance with the new law once it has been signed.
Need help understanding how changes to employment laws will affect your business?
Learn more about how Vensure's Rhode Island PEO services can help you navigate complex employment laws and keep your business compliant.
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