RI S2502

Workplace bullying becomes unlawful for employers with 15+ employees, defined as severe or pervasive unwelcome conduct creating a hostile environment that interferes with job performance, including false accusations, sabotage, ostracism, unreasonable workloads, excessive monitoring, or verbal abuse.

Employers must implement anti-bullying policies within 90 days, establish transparent complaint and investigation processes, train all employees, and respond to complaints within reasonable timeframes.

Mandatory arbitration and non-disclosure/non-disparagement agreements related to bullying complaints are prohibited; retaliation against employees who report bullying constitutes an unlawful adverse employment action.

Employees may file private lawsuits within 3 years and recover compensatory damages, punitive damages for egregious violations, injunctive relief, attorneys' fees, and $5,000 per violation up to $15,000 maximum.

Department of Labor and Training must conduct a regulatory review 5 years after the act takes effect.