Ocean State Today

Rhode Island lawmakers began the 2025 legislative session with committee hearings on various legislative proposals affecting small businesses.

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) submitted testimony to both the House and Senate Revenue Committees. The NFIB opposed Governor McKee’s proposals to tax digital advertisements and increase the administrative fee for overseeing the state’s workers’ compensation fund.

In another hearing, the House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources received comments from NFIB opposing a clean heat standard bill. According to NFIB, this bill would raise fuel costs for Rhode Islanders. They noted that a similar proposal in Vermont is expected to increase heating fuel costs by up to 70 cents per gallon.

Additionally, NFIB testified before the House Labor Committee regarding several bills last week. State director Christopher Carlozzi opposed a bill mandating extreme temperature guidelines for employers with staff working in vehicles, warehouses, or outdoors. This bill requires employers to provide items like cooling vests, suntan lotion, and jackets for temperatures above 90 degrees and below 32 degrees. It also mandates quarterly meetings for managers, supervisors, and employees about their rights under this law. NFIB argued that such requirements could lead to frivolous and costly lawsuits against employers.

Similarly, NFIB expressed opposition to a workplace bullying bill allowing employees to sue employers for various unspecified reasons.

As these hearings progress, stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed through updates and alerts. For those interested in contacting their lawmakers regarding the temperature bill's impact on their business, an Action Alert is available for sending emails to State Representatives.