The bill amends Section 37-13-7 of the General Laws in Rhode Island, concerning labor and payment of debts by contractors, to ensure that contractors or subcontractors pay their employees at least once a week at rates not less than those specified in the call for bids for contracts over $1,000 with the state or its subdivisions. It introduces new requirements for the payment of wages, including the posting of the wage scale at the work site and the withholding of payments to contractors to guarantee correct wage payment to employees. The bill defines terms related to wages and benefits, and mandates the actual purchase of healthcare benefits from a licensed third-party provider, effective July 1, 2024, with civil penalties for non-compliance ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 per violation.

The bill also specifies that certain employees of contracted providers, like school bus drivers, aides, and monitors, are covered under the wage payment provisions, while other personnel such as mechanics and dispatchers are not. It expands the definitions of "public agency" and "quasi-public agency" to include various Rhode Island entities. A new subsection (e) is inserted to address the constitutionality of the section, ensuring that if any part is invalidated, the rest remains effective. The act prohibits the payment of the cash equivalent of healthcare benefits in lieu of actual benefits, with civil fines for violations, and is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2901  SUB B: 37-13-7
2901  SUB A: 37-13-7
2901: 37-13-7