Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2623

Introduced

2/13/26

Refer

2/13/26

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, S2623 has the potential to significantly impact the employment landscape for state workers by formalizing organ donation leave, which is absent from many current leave policies. Paid leave for organ donation could encourage more individuals to consider becoming donors, potentially increasing the organ supply available for transplants. Furthermore, the legislation safeguards employees from job loss during their absence, ensuring that their position is protected while they recover from medical procedures related to organ donation. Additionally, this act will integrate with existing Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provisions to ensure comprehensive leave rights for employees.

Summary

Bill S2623, known as the Organ-Donation Leave Act, aims to provide paid leave for state employees who donate organs such as kidneys, liver segments, or bone marrow. The act outlines that eligible employees, who have completed at least 1,250 hours of work in the previous 12 months and have finished their probationary period, can take this leave once every twelve months. The duration of the paid leave varies based on the type of organ donation; for example, employees may receive up to 60 calendar days for kidney or liver donations, and 30 days for bone marrow donations. Critical to the policy is that employees must notify their employer at least 30 days in advance of their planned leave.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the bill, particularly concerning its fiscal implications for state budgets. Critics might argue that while the intent is noble, implementing paid leave may impose additional costs on state agencies. There could also be discussions on the adequacy of the notice period required for employees, as requiring 30 days might not be feasible in emergency donation situations. Proponents will likely advocate for the importance of supporting organ donation initiatives and improving public health outcomes, while opponents may question the bill's fiscal sustainability and administrative feasibility.

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.