What happened?

On June 24, 2024, the Governor of Rhode Island signed HB 7532 and SB 2021, which includes domestic service workers and workers in private homes under the Rhode Island Minimum Wage Protections.

Quick Summary:

• The legislation amends the state’s minimum wage laws to include domestic workers, ensuring they receive the same minimum wage protection as other employees.

• The law applies only to wages and does not extend workers’ compensation benefits to domestic workers.

What are the details?

Background:

• Historically, domestic workers were not considered employees under the Rhode Island Minimum Wage Act and were only guaranteed the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.

Amendment to Minimum Wage Law:

• The bill expands the definition of “employee” to include domestic workers.

• Employers must now pay domestic workers at least the state minimum wage for all hours worked, plus time and a half for any hours worked over 40 in a workweek.

Exclusions: Certain exclusions remain, such as:

• Individuals employed by the United States.

• Individuals engaged in activities of educational, charitable, religious, or nonprofit organizations where the employer-employee relationship does not exist or services are voluntary.

• Newspaper deliverers, shoe shiners, caddies, and ushers.

• Traveling salespersons or outside salespersons.

• Family members employed by each other.

• Seasonal workers in resort establishments and organized camps.

Source References

• RI HB 7532
• RI SB 2021 

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