The bill amends Section 28-14-12 of the General Laws in Chapter 28-14, titled "Payment of Wages," to establish new requirements for employers regarding employment records. It mandates that every employer must maintain true and accurate records of hours worked and wages paid for at least three years. At the start of employment, employers are required to provide each employee with a written notice in English that includes essential information such as:

1. The rate or rates of pay and basis thereof, including whether the employee is to be paid by the hour, shift, day, week, salary, piece, commission, or other method, and the specific application of any additional rates.
2. Allowances, if any, claimed pursuant to permitted meals and lodging.
3. The employer's policy on sick, vacation, personal leave, holidays, and hours.
4. The employee's employment status and whether the employee is exempt from minimum wage and/or overtime.
5. A list of deductions that may be made from the employee's pay.
6. The number of days in the pay period, the regularly scheduled payday, and the payday on which the employee will receive the first payment of wages earned.
7. The legal name of the employer and the operating name of the employer, if different from its legal name.
8. The physical address of the employer's main office or principal place of business, and its mailing address if different.
9. The telephone number of the employer.

Additionally, the employer must keep a signed copy of the notice provided to each employee, acknowledging their receipt of the notice. Any person who violates these provisions shall be punished by a fine of $400 for a first or second violation, with subsequent violations subject to the penalties provided in 28-14-17(a). This act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
70  SUB A: 28-14-12
70  SUB A as amended: 28-14-12