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RI S2498

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/6/2026

Primary Sponsor

John Burke

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Employers must provide employees with copies of their personnel records within 10 business days of a written request, rather than only permitting on-site inspection

  • "Personnel records" is now explicitly defined to include name, address, date of birth, job title, pay rates, employment dates, job applications, offer letters, employment contracts, performance evaluations, written warnings, termination notices, and disciplinary documents

  • Employers must retain complete personnel records without deletions for 3 years after an employee's termination, and longer if litigation is pending

  • Civil penalties for violations increase from a maximum of $100 to a range of $1,500 to $3,000 per violation, with penalties split equally between the Department of Labor and Training and the aggrieved employee

  • The act takes effect January 1, 2027 and applies to all personnel records created on or after that date

Legislative Description

Expands the obligations of employers to create, maintain and retain their employees' personnel records, it requires that records be retained for at least 3 years after employee's termination. It also increases the financial penalties for each violation.

Labor And Labor Relations

Last Action

Committee recommended measure be held for further study

3/4/2026

Committee Referrals

Labor and Gaming2/6/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available