Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7368

Introduced
1/28/26  

Caption

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE MANNER IN WHICH HEALTH INSURANCE, DISABILITY INSURANCE, UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE, RETIREMENT PLANS AND OTHER TRADITIONAL EMPLOYER PROVIDED BENEFITS ARE ACCORDED TO UBER AND LYFT DRIVERS, SELF-DIRECTED PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANTS, SELF EMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS, AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS ENGAGED IN PROVIDING SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC (Creates 5 member commission to study the way insurance plans/traditional employer-provided benefits are given to Uber/Lyft drivers, self-directed personal care attendants and others providing services to public, and reports back 1/5/27 and expires 3/5/27.)

Impact

If passed, the commission will consist of five members who will analyze and evaluate various existing systems and methods regarding how benefits are assigned and managed for gig economy operators and self-employed individuals. The commission is authorized to convene, gather evidence, consult with relevant stakeholders, and produce a formal report with findings and recommendations by January 5, 2027. This initiative represents a significant step towards potentially reforming benefits structures in the state, promoting advocacy for improved protections and support for workers in non-traditional employment.

Summary

House Resolution H7368 proposes the creation of a special legislative commission aimed at studying how health insurance, disability insurance, unemployment insurance, retirement plans, and other traditional employer-provided benefits are extended to specific groups including Uber and Lyft drivers, self-directed personal care attendants, and other individuals providing services to the public. This resolution seeks to gather comprehensive data to understand the current benefits landscape for these workers and consider potential policy recommendations that might enhance their benefits packages.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to positively impact the lives of many gig workers and help establish clearer guidelines and benefits access, concerns may arise regarding the scope and effectiveness of the commission's recommendations. Opponents may question whether a legislative commission can adequately address the diverse needs of all affected individuals and whether the study's outcomes will lead to meaningful legislative changes. Furthermore, the expedited timeline for reporting by the commission could raise debates on the thoroughness of the inquiry and consultations, impacting stakeholder trust.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5367

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE MANNER IN WHICH HEALTH INSURANCE, DISABILITY INSURANCE, UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE, RETIREMENT PLANS AND OTHER TRADITIONAL EMPLOYER PROVIDED BENEFITS ARE ACCORDED TO UBER AND LYFT DRIVERS, SELF EMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS, AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS ENGAGED IN PROVIDING SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC (Creates a 5 member commission to study the way insurance plans and traditional employer provided benefits are given to Uber and Lyft drivers, and others providing services to the public, and would report by January 5, 2026, and expire March 5, 20206.)

RI H5131

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS TO ADDRESS CONCERNS IN THE DELIVERY OF HEALTHCARE TO INMATES AND INDIVIDUALS AWAITING TRIAL IN THE CUSTODY OF THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS (RIDOC) (Creates a 9 member commission to study and make recommendations on the delivery of healthcare services at RIDOC, and who reports back to the House no later than January 5, 2026, and whose life would expire on March 5, 2026.)

RI H5418

Amends the definition of "small employer" for purposes of the small employer health insurance availability act to mean a business employing less than one hundred (100) employees rather than fifty (50) employees.

RI H5850

Requires every individual or group health insurance plan on or after January 1, 2026, that provides benefits to reimburse child service providers for therapy services offered through EOHHS certified Kids Connect/Therapeutic Services.

RI S0702

Requires every individual or group health insurance plan on or after January 1, 2026, that provides benefits to reimburse child service providers for therapy services offered through EOHHS certified Kids Connect/Therapeutic Services.

RI H6427

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CREATION OF A STATEWIDE WHOLE-HOME REPAIRS PROGRAM (Creates 10-member commission to study and provide recommendations for the creation of a statewide whole-home repairs program, and who would report back to the Speaker of the House by January 5, 2026, and would expire on March 5, 2026.)

RI S0023

SENATE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POTENTIAL CHANGES IN LEGISLATION/OVERSIGHT OF THE ACT ON CLIMATE (Creates a 5 member commission to provide recommendations for legislation changes and/or oversight for the Act on Climate, and would report back by May 1, 2026, and would expire on June 1, 2026.)

RI H5344

HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE REPORTING AND EXPIRATION DATES AND AMENDING THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE LEGISLATIVE STUDY COMMISSION ON CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT AND SOLUTIONS (Increases the membership of the commission from 17 to 18, and extends the reporting and expiration dates of the special house commission on climate change from May 14, 2025, to May 14, 2026, and expires on June 18, 2026.)

RI H5161

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY PUBLIC OWNERSHIP OF PUBLIC UTILITIES (Creates a special joint legislative study commission to study public ownership of certain public utilities, including electricity and natural gas.)

RI H6322

HOUSE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE MEMBERSHIP AND EXTENDING THE REPORTING AND EXPIRATION DATES OF THE SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY HOUSING AFFORDABILITY (Increases the membership from eighteen (18) to twenty-one (21), and extend the reporting and expiration dates of the Commission to Study Housing Affordability from June 7, 2025, to June 5, 2027, and would expire on June 26, 2027.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.