The bill amends Title 42 of the General Laws by adding Chapter 56.4, which establishes regulations regarding the maximum workday and overtime compensation for peace officers employed by the state. It declares a public policy aimed at safeguarding the health, efficiency, and general well-being of these employees and those they serve. The chapter defines key terms, including "employee" (peace officers employed by the state), "employer" (the State of Rhode Island department of corrections), and "unforeseeable emergent circumstance" (an unpredictable occurrence requiring immediate action).

The bill stipulates that peace officers cannot be required to work beyond a predetermined shift of eight hours or ten hours for correctional officer stewards, except in unforeseeable emergent circumstances. It protects employees from discrimination, dismissal, discharge, or any adverse employment actions for refusing to accept overtime work under these conditions. The provisions do not limit voluntary overtime and outline that the requirement for the employer to exhaust reasonable efforts to obtain staffing does not apply during declared emergencies or disasters.

Additionally, the bill outlines penalties for violations, requiring the state to pay employees who are required to work in violation of the chapter at a rate of double time and a half of their normal salary. It clarifies that the new regulations do not negate existing rights or benefits under applicable collective bargaining agreements and includes a severability clause to ensure that if any provision of the chapter is held invalid, the remainder remains effective. The act is set to take effect upon passage.