The bill amends Section 28-29-17.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 28-29, which pertains to workers' compensation general provisions. It introduces changes that will take effect on January 1, 2024, requiring individuals who are considered independent contractors to file a notice of designation with the director of labor and training annually for each hiring entity that retains their services. The amendment removes the previous requirement for the notice to be in writing, allowing for electronic filing. Additionally, the bill specifies that failure to submit an annual filing after receiving a 20-day notice from the director for failure to file, or withdrawal of the designation, will affect the independent contractor status. The designation forms are deemed public information and can be made available electronically upon written request.

The bill also includes provisions for the workers' compensation court to vacate any improperly procured "notice of designation." It states that these provisions apply only to injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2001. Furthermore, the bill mandates that by April 1 of each year, the department of labor and training must send a list of all individuals who have filed a designation form to the Rhode Island division of taxation in the department of revenue. The bill will take effect immediately upon passage. The legislative explanation clarifies that the act's purpose is to update the requirements for independent contractors regarding workers' compensation and to facilitate the filing process by removing the necessity for written forms.

Statutes affected:
2472  SUB A: 28-29-17.1
2472: 28-29-17.1