Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7973

Introduced
2/27/26  

Caption

Excludes from the definition of an "employee" any individual employed in catering, commissary, or food establishment, for purposes of the provisions requiring payment of wages at one and one-half normal rate of pay for work on holidays and Sundays.

Impact

The impact of H7973 on state laws is significant, as it adjusts existing labor and wage standards that apply to holiday work. By removing catering and food service workers from the premium wage requirement, it could lead to lower labor costs for businesses in these sectors during holiday work periods. This might incentivize businesses to operate during holidays, impacting employment practices and economic activity in these industries. However, it may also result in lower wages for those employees compared to other sectors where the law continues to enforce premium rates.

Summary

House Bill 7973 proposes an amendment to the General Laws regarding work on holidays and Sundays, specifically targeting the definition of 'employee.' The core change is to exclude individuals who work in catering, commissary, or food establishments from being classified as employees for the purpose of wage payments at a premium rate (one and one-half times the normal rate) for work performed on holidays and Sundays. This legislation aims to clarify and narrow the definition of employee significantly within those specific industries.

Contention

There is expected contention surrounding H7973, particularly from labor advocates who may argue that the bill undermines workers' rights and protections. Critics could contend that exempting certain job categories from holiday pay diminishes fair compensation practices and may affect employee morale and job security. Proponents, particularly from the catering and food service industries, might argue that this flexibility is necessary to remain competitive in a challenging market and to meet consumer demand during holiday seasons.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0857

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 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 S0988

Includes Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday and Washington's Birthday as holidays for purposes of work on holidays and Sundays.

RI S0827

Allows casino workers to receive overtime pay for working Sundays and Holidays.

RI H5685

Allows casino workers to receive overtime pay for working Sundays and Holidays.

RI S0858

Defines employees as individuals employed by a municipality or state covered by a collective bargaining agreement or employment contract, and would redefine an "employer" to those who employ fifteen (15) or more employees.

RI H5944

Defines employees as individuals employed by a municipality or state covered by a collective bargaining agreement or employment contract, and would redefine an "employer" to those who employ fifteen (15) or more employees.

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 S0070

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.

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.