Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7159

Introduced

1/16/26

Refer

1/16/26

Caption

Provides for paid leave for a state employee who donates an organ and duration of the leave is dependent on the type of donation and notice should be provided to the employer at least thirty (30) days prior to the leave.

Impact

If enacted, HB 7159 would amend Title 36 of the General Laws concerning public officers and employees in Rhode Island. The law offers up to 60 days of paid leave for kidney or liver donations and 30 days for bone marrow donations, allowing employees to recover without the financial stress that often accompanies unpaid medical leave. This bill not only addresses the immediate needs of employees but also aligns with broader public health goals by encouraging organ donation through supportive workplace policies.

Summary

House Bill 7159, known as the Organ-Donation Leave Act, introduces provisions for paid leave for state employees who donate an organ, such as a kidney, liver segment, or bone marrow. This legislation aims to support state employees during the recovery process following such a significant medical procedure. To qualify, employees must have completed an initial probation period and worked a minimum of 1,250 hours within the past year. The bill specifies the duration of the leave depending on the type of organ donation, with detailed guidelines for notification to the employer prior to taking the leave.

Contention

While the intent of the bill is widely seen as positive for employee welfare, potential points of contention may arise concerning the financial implications for state agencies, especially regarding staffing and pay during these leaves. Critics may argue about the sustainability of such benefits or raise concerns about the strict requirements related to notification and eligibility, which could deter some employees from utilizing these benefits. Additionally, there may be discussions around how this bill interacts with existing leave benefits to prevent redundancy or potential abuse.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5020

Provides for paid leave for a state employee who donates an organ. The duration of the leave is dependent on the type of donation and notice should be provided to the employer at least thirty (30) days prior to the leave.

RI S0588

RI H6065

Mandates paid leave by allowing qualified employees to take medical leave to undergo donation procedures, medical tests, and recovery related to being a living organ donor, or bone marrow transplant donor.

RI S0127

Requires the employers of unionized public school teachers, municipal employees and state employees, to provide the union, at least once every 120 days, a list of all their employees in their union, as well as their personal and demographic information.

RI H5266

RI H5943

Provides all employees of retail establishments with 15 or more employees engaged in work during Sundays or holidays shall receive from their employer no less than time and a half and shall be guaranteed at least a minimum of four (4) hours employment.

RI S0857

RI H5679

Requires employer, at the start of employment, furnish to their employees a written notice containing employment information relative to wages, rates of pay, allowances, benefits, deductions from pay, and identifying information relative to the employer.