The bill amends Section 37-13-7 of the General Laws concerning labor and payment of debts by contractors in Rhode Island. It introduces new provisions that require every contract exceeding $1,000 for the transportation of school pupils or for the construction and repair of public works to specify the minimum wages to be paid to employees, based on prevailing wage rates determined by the director of labor and training. Additionally, it mandates that contractors pay employees weekly and prohibits any deductions from these payments.

The bill specifically prohibits contractors or subcontractors from making a payment of the cash equivalent of any retirement or pension benefit directly to an employee in lieu of actually purchasing the retirement or pension benefit if the employee has been employed for more than ninety (90) days, starting July 1, 2025. The department of labor and training may require contractors or subcontractors to provide proof that they are providing these benefits to eligible employees.

The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5505: 37-13-7