Ocean State Today

The legislative session in Rhode Island is underway with hearings on significant bills intensifying. However, activities paused this week due to school vacation.

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) recently provided testimony on several legislative matters. They oppose the "Clean Heat Standard Bill" and "Building Energy Reporting Requirements," which were reviewed by the Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee. In contrast, they support the "Sunday/Holiday Pay Repeal" but oppose changes to "Overtime Pay Thresholds," both presented to the Senate Labor and Gaming Committee. Additionally, they favor waiving daily permits for the transport of oversize marine assets, a matter before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Christopher Carlozzi, NFIB State Director, spoke before the House Committee on Labor. He opposed bills allowing striking workers to earn unemployment benefits and disagreed with raising the threshold for exempting workers from overtime. Currently, the federal standard, which is adopted in Rhode Island, exempts workers earning up to $35,568. The proposed change would extend overtime eligibility to those earning up to $78,000.

Moreover, the Senate Committee on Labor and Gaming has favorably reported a workplace bullying bill which NFIB argues could lead to unnecessary lawsuits. Although it passed the Senate in the last session, it did not proceed in the House. NFIB plans to continue opposing this legislation.